Switches, routers, and wireless access points are the essential networking basics. Through them, devices connected to your network can communicate with one another and with other networks, like the Internet. Switches, routers, and wireless access points perform very different functions in a network.
There are two primary types of computer networking: Wired networking and Wireless networking.
Wired networking requires the use of a physical medium for transport between nodes. Copper-based Ethernet cabling, popular due to its low cost and durability, is commonly used for digital communications in businesses and homes. Alternatively, optical fiber is used to transport data over greater distances and at faster speeds, but it has several tradeoffs, including higher costs and more fragile components.
Wireless networking uses radio waves to transport data over the air, enabling devices to be connected to a network without any cabling. Wireless LANs are the most well-known and widely deployed form of wireless networking. Alternatives include microwave, satellite, cellular and Bluetooth, among others.
As a general rule, wired networking offers greater speed, reliability and security compared to wireless networks; wireless networking tends to provide more flexibility, mobility and scalability.
It should be noted that these types of networking concern the physical layer of the network. Networking can also be classified according to how it’s built and designed, encompassing approaches that include software-defined networking (SDN) or overlay networks. Networking can also be categorized by environment and scale, such as LAN, campus, WAN, data center networks or storage area networks.
Network cables are used to connect and transfer data and information between computers, routers, switches and storage area networks . These cables are essentially the carrier or media through which data flows.
The most commonly used types of communications cables are dominated by what is referred to as “twisted pair cable”. Fibre optic cabling is specified where high bandwidths may be needed; especially in the data centre environment and where an installation demands high capacity, typically a hospital, airports, banks, etc. However, Fibre optic cabling is fast becoming the medium of choice for any installation that is sending high volumes of data! Of course, there are other types of cables, i.e., coaxial cable, multi-pair cable, etc.
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A switch acts as a controller, connecting computers, printers, and servers to a network in a building or a campus. Mahakali Tech and Developers provides network switching solutions from leading manufacturers including HPE, Cisco, Negear, Tp-Link, Zyxel, Huawei, and much more. Whether you are looking for unmanaged, managed or smart switches, we have the perfect switching solutions to suit your requirements. Our smart range of switches comes with high power performance features tailored for small to medium businesses.Our range of best business network switches offer the switching solution for strong connectivity and reliability.
A router is a switching device for networks, which is able to route network packets, based on their addresses, to other networks or devices. Among other things, they are used for Internet access, for coupling networks or for connecting branch offices to a central office via VPN (Virtual Private Network). Depending on the type they communicate using the various access protocols, such as Ethernet, ATM or DSL.
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The various types of Routers
Routers are optimised to suit a particular purpose, depending on their application. So-called backbone routers are high-performance routers of the carrier class, which route and forward packets with rapid speeds of several gigabits per second. They are housed in data centres, and may be as large as several 19-inch cabinets.
For interfacing with networks of other providers, Internet service providers may use border routers or edge routers, which mainly use the routing protocol BGP. This routing protocol allows for the optimum the exchange of routes. Most of these routers also support the prioritisation of traffic via Quality of Service.
For connecting to the Internet, access routers are used, which allow devices in a local area network to access Internet via DSL, cable, wireless or ISDN. Routers connect multiple networks together. They also connect computers on those networks to the Internet. Routers enable all networked computers to share a single Internet connection. Depending on your security needs, for example, you can choose a router with a firewall, a virtual private network (VPN), or an Internet Protocol (IP) communications system.
An access point allows devices to connect to the wireless network without cables. A wireless network makes it easy to bring new devices online and provides flexible support to mobile workers. An access point acts like an amplifier for your network. While a router provides the bandwidth, an access point extends that bandwidth so that the network can support many devices, and those devices can access the network from farther away.
An access point is a device that creates a wireless local area network, or WLAN, usually in an office or large building. An access point connects to a wired router or switch via an Ethernet cable, and projects a Wi-Fi signal to a designated area. For example, if you want to enable Wi-Fi access in your company’s reception area but don’t have a router within range, you can install an access point near the front desk and run an Ethernet cable through the ceiling back to the server room.
Business-grade access points can be installed anywhere you can run an Ethernet cable. Newer models are also compatible with Power over Ethernet Plus, or PoE+ (a combination Ethernet and power cord), so there is no need to run a separate power line or install an outlet near the access point.
Range extenders lengthens the reach of an existing Wi-Fi network. Since range extenders connect wirelessly to Wi-Fi routers, they must be placed where the Wi-Fi router’s signal is already strong, not in the location of the actual dead spot.