Server-side’ relates to your Internet Service Provider and deals with the interconnection of different users and routing them to other networks. Server-side hardware consists of:
• computers
• disk drives
• communication links
• multiplexors
• hubs
• switches
• routers
• gateways
• bridges.
Multiplexor
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A multiplexor allows a number of workstations to simultaneously gain access to the Internet using only one Internet communications link.
It receives data from a number of sources then splits the data into discrete chunks and transmits them over the link.
Intranets, which consist of a number of hosts, are linked to the Internet by a multiplexor.
Hubs
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Network hubs are multi-port devices, connecting the computers to the network. They are generally passive, simply allowing data to pass through.
Data sent over the network is specifically addressed to a destination (by IP address). The hub ‘understands’ this information and sends the data onwards. The routing of the data over the network is by software command.
Switch
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A switch is a multi-port device that reads the destination address and physically switches the route between the source and destination.
A store-and-forward switch can read a packet and check that the packet has been sent correctly, before forwarding it to its destination. Switches tend to be faster than hubs.
Router
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The most important of all Internet devices are routers. Without routers we quite simply would not have the Internet.
A router is a hardware device that will store and forward packets by checking IP addresses and then routing the packets to their destinations. A simple router is needed to link an Intranet to the Internet.
The Internet requires the use of complex routers, which are switches that have access to routing tables. A routing table is a database, which contains all of the information about a network and the optimal paths between source and destination. Packets can be routed so that they take the shortest path to destination.
Internet routers are dynamic – they speak to one another, automatically updating their routing tables.
Gateway
A gateway is a hardware device, often a computer, which acts as an Internet router or access point. Gateways can work with multiple protocols and link different types of network..
Bridge.
A bridge is a hardware device that is used to link the same types of network together.
Network protocol 1
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For this unit, you only need knowledge and understanding of routers, switches and multiplexors. The other devices have been included in order to aid understanding.
Find out more about servers - click here.
Download and complete Worksheet 11.