Any modern company (office of a construction company, factory, online store, etc.) uses computer networks for its activities . This is due to the fact that with two or more computers in this way it is easier to transfer the necessary data between devices. This, of course, implies the management of this system. This responsible function is assumed by the network equipment.
What kind of equipment is this? It is a complex of devices that are necessary for the functioning of an organized network. This includes routers, switches, hubs, patch panels, and more. In turn, these devices are divided into active network equipment and passive. Today I want to tell you a little about the first view.
So, active network equipment is a special electronic device that has certain “intellectual” properties. First of all, these include routers (routers) with switches.
A switch is a device for networks through which computers exchange data with each other. They are used to connect network collision domains, as well as to prevent the loss of transmitted information. This active network equipment can be either managed or unmanaged.
Unmanaged work on the principle, which is also called the address aging algorithm. This device has a drawback, which is that when receiving an address packet that is not in the corresponding table, the switch generates a broadcast request, leading to a restart of the communication channel and, as a result, a drop in network performance. And such a network is absolutely defenseless during internal attacks.
As for managed switches, such active network equipment is used to increase the speed of sending information, as well as to improve network performance. Under their control, the network has high protection. Most of the work uses the second level of the OSI network model.
Routing switches work already at the third level of the OSI. This makes it possible to use them as a network core. In some situations, these devices can replace routers.
Now let's talk about what a router is. It is an active network equipment that operates at the third level of the OSI. Designed to provide access to the global network from the local and organizes a distributed network of the enterprise, which provides access for each employee to the necessary information. Also, with its help, you can install firewalls that will block external intrusions into the network.
Still there are such hardware screens used between networks. They are called Firewalls. They are dedicated servers on which software is installed (OSes, virtual private networks, as well as firewalls). They also provide network security and restrict access to the Internet resource with threats.