| Connectivity Devices |
The physical connections among network hardware; include cables, phone lines, and other connection lines. |
| Gateway |
- Acts as a translator between networks using incompatible communications protocols.
- Connects networks of personal computers to mini-computer- or mainframe-based hosts.
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| Hub/Concentrator |
- Interconnects multiple devices in a network.
- Enables distribution of information among connected devices.
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| Router |
- Connects two or more networks.
- Forwards packets and filters traffic, based on protocol-specific software addresses, source and destination port number, and soon.
- More flexible than a bridge, but requires more processing power.
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| Switch |
- Connects network segments with high usage percentages.
- Offers higher performance than a bridge or router
- Costs less than a bridge or router
- Helps create virtual LANs
- Bases forwarding decisions on a packet's media access control (AC) destination address
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