Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks Hardware Technology - Essay Example

Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) two classifications are based on the distance that a network is designed to support its various services. LANs are typically designed to share information and computer resources among pieces of equipment placed in closed vicinity, in a building or a particular premises whereas WAN is considered a network of multiple LANs that may be situated at long distances. These LANs and WANs employ different hardware technologies to ensure an efficient, robust and secure networking environment.

LAN Hardware Technologies Local Area Networks typically connect devices placed in a building using Ethernet technologies. Ethernet networks can broadcast point-to-point or a mix of these transmission technologies. In point-to-point technology, devices commonly use Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables to connect to the nearest switch or hub. a) UTP cables consist of four pairs of twisted cables insulated with a thin plastic sheet.

UTP cables are categorized as CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, and CAT6a (IEEE 802.3 2006), etc. standards of cables. CAT6a cables can support up to a 10-gigabit data transfer rate in a LAN environment. UTP cables can transmit data up to a distance of 100 meters. A repeater, hub, or switch can be used to enhance the maximum distance of UTP cables. An RJ-45 data connector at each end of a UTP cable connects it to various devices with an RJ-45 jack. All new building structures usually have special layouts of UTP cables running from each room to a central point known as the Main Distribution Facility (MDF).

(David, 507). b) Repeaters and Hubs There are three basic devices used to interconnect devices in an Ethernet network. Repeaters strengthen the transmission signal to carry it to a distance of more than 100 meters. A hub connects devices in a network. It broadcast received signals to all devices connected to it. A hub also serves as a repeater. Repeaters and hubs are physical layer devices; the physical layer is the first layer in the OSI Reference model. (Null & Julia, 675). c) Switches Switch is an intelligent device used for point-to-point data transmissions.

Switches operate at the Data Link (layer-II) of the OSI Reference Model. It can recognize distinctly various connected devices and can send messages to only specific devices. Some switches can operate at Network (Layer-III) of the OSI Reference model. Layer-III switches can perform routing functions, which is not possible in a layer two switch. (Null & Julia, 675). d) Routers Routers are the most important hardware technology deployed in modern-day networks. Router routes network traffic among various segments of a LAN or it may also be deployed in a WAN environment to route traffic among various LANs.

A router is a layer-III device that can connect two different networks, which is not possible in the case of a layer-II switch. (Beasley, 194). e) Firewalls The growing and widespread use of network technologies has instigated the need for more secure networks. Security of information means security from internal and external threats of communication.