Network+ Guide To Networks 6 Edition: Network Hardware, Switching, and Routing

Network+ Guide to Networks
6th Edition
Chapter 6
Network Hardware, Switching, and
Routing
Objectives
Identify the functions of LAN connectivity hardware
Install, configure, and differentiate between network
devices such as NICs, hubs, bridges, switches,
routers, and gateways
Explain the advanced features of a switch and
understand popular switching techniques, including
VLAN management
Explain the purposes and properties of routing
Describe common IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols
Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th Edition
NICs (Network Interface Cards)

Connectivity devices
Enable device transmission
Transceiver
Transmits and receives data
Physical layer and Data Link layer functions
Issue data signals

Assemble and disassemble data frames
Interpret physical addressing information
Determine right to transmit data
NICs (contd.)
Smart hardware
Prioritization
Network management
Buffering
Traffic-filtering
Do not analyze information

Added by Layers 3 through 7 OSI model protocols
Importance
Common to every networking device, network
Types of NICs
Before ordering or installing NIC
Know device interface type
NIC dependencies
Access method
Network transmission speed
Connector interfaces
Compatible motherboard or device type
Manufacturer
Support for enhanced features
Types of NICs (contd.)

Bus
Circuit, signaling pathway
Motherboard uses to transmit data to computers
components
Memory, processor, hard disk, NIC
Differ according to capacity

Defined by data path width and clock speed
Data path size

Parallel bits transmitting at any given time
Proportional to attached devices speed

Expansion slots
Multiple electrical contacts on motherboard
Allow bus expansion
Expansion card (expansion board)

Circuit board for additional devices
Inserts into expansion slot, establishes electrical
connection
Device connects to computers main circuit or bus
Computer centrally controls device

Multiple bus types
PCIe bus: most popular expansion board NIC
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)

32-bit bus
Maximum data transfer rate: 1 Gbps
Introduced in 2004
Figure 6-1 PCIe expansion board NIC
Courtesy of Intel Corporation

Determining bus type
Read documentation
Look inside PC case
If more than one expansion slot type:
Refer to NIC, PC manufacturers guidelines
Choose NIC matching most modern bus

Peripheral NICs
Attached externally
Simple installation into a variety of slots
PCMCIA
USB
CompactFlash
FireWire
Installing and configuring software may be required
10
Figure 6-2 A USB NIC

Charles B. Ming Onn/Shutterstock.com
11

On-Board NICs
Connect device directly to motherboard
On-board ports: mouse, keyboard
New computers, laptops

Use onboard NICs integrated into motherboard
Advantages
Saves space
Frees expansion slots
12
Figure 6-3 Motherboard with on-board NICs

Courtesy of EVGA USA
13
Installing and Configuring NICs

Installing NIC hardware
Read manufacturers documentation
Install expansion card NIC
Gather needed tools

Unplug computer, peripherals, and network cable
Ground yourself
Open computer case
Select slot, insert NIC, attach bracket, verify cables
Replace cover, turn on computer

Configure NIC software
14

(contd.)
Figure 6-4 A properly inserted expansion board NIC

Courtesy of Gary Herrington Photography
15

(contd.)
Installing and configuring NIC software
Device driver
Software enabling device to communicate with
operating system
Purchased computer with a peripheral

Drivers installed
Add hardware to computer

Must install drivers
16

(contd.)
Operating system built-in drivers
Automatically recognize hardware, install drivers
Drivers not available from operating system

Install and configure NIC software
Available at manufacturers Web site
17

(contd.)
Verifying NIC functionality
Check whether device can communicate with
network
Diagnostic tools
Use manufacturers configuration utility
Loopback plug needed
Visual inspection of LEDs

Read manufacturers documentation
Use simple commands

Example: pinging the loopback address
18
Modular Interfaces
Hot-swappable components
Can be changed without disrupting operations
GBIC (Gigabit interface converter)

Standard type of modular interface
May contain RJ-45 or fiber-optic cable ports
SFPs (small form-factor pluggable)

Provide same form factor as GBIC
Allow more ports per inch
19
Modular Interfaces (contd.)
Figure 6-7 GBIC (Gigabit interface

converter) with an RJ-45 port
Figure 6-8 SFP (small form-factor pluggable)

transceiver for use with fiber connections
Courtesy Course Technology/Cengage Learning
20
Repeaters and Hubs

Repeaters
Operate in Physical OSI model layer
No means to interpret data
Regenerate signal
Hub
Repeater with more than one output port
Typically contains multiple data ports
Patch cables connect printers, servers, and
workstations
Most contain uplink port

21
Bridges
Devices that connect two network segments
Analyze incoming frames
Make decisions on where to direct them
Operate at Data Link OSI model layer

Single input and single output ports
Protocol independent
Filtering database
Contains known MAC addresses and network
locations
22
Bridges (contd.)
Figure 6-10 A bridges use of a filtering database

23
Switches
Connectivity devices that subdivide a network
Segments
Traditional switches
Operate at Data Link OSI model layer
Modern switches
Can operate at Layer 3 or Layer 4
Switches interpret MAC address information

Common switch components
Internal processor, operating system, memory, ports
24
Switch Installation
Follow manufacturers guidelines
General steps (assume Cat 5 or better UTP)
Verify switch placement

Turn on switch
Verify lights, self power tests
Configure (if necessary)
Connect NIC to a switch port (repeat for all nodes)
After all nodes connected, turn on nodes
Connect switch to larger network (optional)
25
Switch Installation (contd.)
Figure 6-13 A switch on a small network

26
Switching Methods
Difference in switches
Incoming frames interpretation
Frame forwarding decisions making
Four switching modes exist

Two basic methods discussed
Cut-through mode
Store-and-forward mode
27
Switching Methods (contd.)

Cut-through mode
Switch reads frames header
Forwarding decision made before receiving entire
packet
Uses frame header: first 14 bytes contains destination
MAC address
Cannot verify data integrity using frame check

sequence
Can detect erroneously shortened packets (runts)
Runt detected: wait for integrity check
28

Cut-through mode (contd.)
Cannot detect corrupt packets
Advantage: speed
Disadvantage
Data buffering (switch flooded with traffic)
Best use
Small workgroups needing speed
Low number of devices
29

Store-and-forward mode
Switch reads entire data frame into memory

Checks for accuracy before transmitting information
Transmit data more accurately than cut-through mode
Slower than cut-through mode
Best uses
Larger LAN environments; mixed environments
Can transfer data between segments running different

transmission speeds
30
VLANs and Trunking

VLANs (virtual local area networks)
Logically separate networks within networks
Groups ports into broadcast domain
Broadcast domain
Port combination making a Layer 2 segment
Ports rely on Layer 2 device to forward broadcast
frames
Collision domain
Ports in same broadcast domain
Do not share single channel
31
Figure 6-14 A simple VLAN design

32
VLANs and Trunking (contd.)

Advantage of VLANs
Flexible
Ports from multiple switches or segments
Use any end node type
Reasons for using VLAN
Separating user groups

Isolating connections
Identifying priority device groups
Grouping legacy protocol devices
Separating large network into smaller subnets
33

Switch typically preconfigured
One default VLAN
Cannot be deleted or renamed
Create additional VLANs

Indicate to which VLAN each port belongs
Additional specifications
Security parameters, filtering instructions, port
performance requirements, network addressing and
management options
Maintain VLAN using switch software

34

Potential problem
Cutting off group from rest of network
Correct by using router or Layer 3 switch
Trunking
Switchs interface carries traffic of multiple VLANs
Trunk
Single physical connection between switches
VLAN data separation

Frame contains VLAN identifier in header
35
Figure 6-16 Trunk for multiple VLANs

36
STP (Spanning Tree Protocol)

IEEE standard 802.1D
Operates in Data Link layer
Prevents traffic loops
Calculating paths avoiding potential loops
Artificially blocking links completing loop
Three steps
Select root bridge based on Bridge ID
Examine possible paths between network bridge and
root bridge
Disables links not part of shortest path
37
Figure 6-17 Enterprise-wide switched network

38
Figure 6-18 STP-selected paths on a switched network

39
STP (contd.)
History
Introduced in 1980s
Original STP too slow
RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol)

Newer version
IEEEs 802.1w standard
Cisco and Extreme Networks

Proprietary versions
No enabling or configuration needed

Included in switch operating software
40
Content and Multilayer Switches

Layer 3 switch (routing switch)
Interprets Layer 3 data
Layer 4 switch
Interprets Layer 4 data
Content switch (application switch)

Interprets Layer 4 through Layer 7 data
Advantages
Advanced filtering
Keeping statistics
Security functions
41
Content and Multilayer Switches (contd.)

Distinguishing between Layer 3 and Layer 4 switch
Manufacturer dependent
Higher-layer switches
Cost more than Layer 2 switches
Used in network backbone
42
Routers
Multiport connectivity device
Directs data between network nodes
Integrates LANs and WANs
Different transmission speeds, protocols
Operate at Network layer (Layer 3)

Directs data from one segment or network to another
Logical addressing
Protocol dependent
Slower than switches and bridges

Need to interpret Layers 3 and higher information
43
Routers (contd.)
Traditional stand-alone LAN routers
Being replaced by Layer 3 routing switches
New niche
Specialized applications
Linking large Internet nodes
Completing digitized telephone calls
44
Router Characteristics and Functions

Intelligence
Tracks node location
Determine shortest, fastest path between two nodes
Connects dissimilar network types
Large LANs and WANs

Routers indispensable
Router components
Internal processor, operating system, memory, input
and output jacks, management control interface
45

(contd.)
Multiprotocol routers
Multiple slots
Accommodate multiple network interfaces
Inexpensive routers
Home, small office use
46
Figure 6-19 Routers

47

(contd.)
Router capabilities
Connect dissimilar networks

Interpret Layer 3 addressing
Determine best data path
Reroute traffic
48

(contd.)
Optional router functions
Filter broadcast transmissions

Enable custom segregation, security
Support simultaneous connectivity
Provide fault tolerance
Monitor network traffic
Diagnose problems and trigger alarms
49

(contd.)
Interior router
Directs data between nodes on a LAN
Exterior router
Directs data between nodes external to a LAN
Border routers
Connect autonomous LAN with a WAN
Routing tables
Identify which routers serve which hosts
50

(contd.)
Static routing
Router configured to use specific path between nodes
Dynamic routing
Automatically calculates best path between nodes
Installation
Simple for small office or home office LANs
Web-based configuration
Challenging for sizable networks
51
Figure 6-20 The placement of routers on a LAN

52
Routing Protocols
Best path
Most efficient route from one node to another
Dependent on:
Hops between nodes

Current network activity
Unavailable link
Network transmission speed
Topology
Determined by routing protocol
53
Routing Protocols (contd.)

Routing metric factors
Number of hops
Throughput on potential path
Delay on a potential path
Load (traffic)
Maximum transmission unit (MTU)
Cost
Reliability of potential path
54

Router convergence time
Time router takes to recognize best path
Change or network outage event
Distinguishing feature
Overhead; burden on network to support routing
protocol
55

Distance-vector routing protocols
Determine best route based on distance to
destination
Factors
Hops, latency, network traffic conditions
RIP (Routing Information Protocol)

Only factors in number of hops between nodes
Limits 15 hops
Type of IGP (Interior Gateway Protocol)

Can only route within internal network
Slower and less secure than other routing protocols

56

RIPv2 (Routing Information Protocol Version 2)
Generates less broadcast traffic, more secure
Cannot exceed 15 hops
Less commonly used
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
Communicates using BGP-specific messages

Many factors determine best paths
Configurable to follow policies
Type of EGP (Exterior Gateway Protocol)
Most complex (choice for Internet traffic)
57

Link-state routing protocol
Routers share information
Each router independently maps network, determines
best path
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
Interior or border router use

No hop limit
Complex algorithm for determining best paths
Each OSPF router
Maintains database containing other routers links
58

IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System)
Codified by ISO
Interior routers only
Supports two Layer 3 protocols
IP
ISO-specific protocol
Less common than OSPF
59

Hybrid
Link-state and distance-vector characteristics
EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol)
Most popular
Cisco network routers only
EIGRP benefits
Fast convergence time, low network overhead

Easier to configure and less CPU-intensive than OSPF
Supports multiple protocols
Accommodates very large, heterogeneous networks
60
Table 6-1 Summary of common routing protocols

61
Gateways and Other Multifunction

Devices
Gateway
Combination of networking hardware and software
Connects two systems using different formatting,
communications protocols, architecture
Repackages information
Resides on servers, microcomputers, connectivity
devices, mainframes
Popular gateways
E-mail gateway, Internet gateway, LAN gateway,
voice/data gateway, firewall
62
Summary
Network adapter types vary
Access method, transmission speed, connector
interfaces, number of ports, manufacturer, device type
Repeaters
Regenerate digital signal
Bridges can interpret the data they retransmit

Switches subdivide a network
Generally secure
Create VLANs
Various routing protocols exist

63

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Network+ Guide to Networks

NICs (Network Interface Cards)

Physical layer and Data Link layer functions

Issue data signals

Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th Edition

Do not analyze information

Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th Edition

Types of NICs (contd.)

Differ according to capacity

Data path size

Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th Edition

Types of NICs (contd.)

Expansion card (expansion board)

Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th Edition

Types of NICs (contd.)

PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)

Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th Edition

Types of NICs (contd.)

Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th Edition

Types of NICs (contd.)

Installing and configuring software may be required

Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th Edition

Types of NICs (contd.)

Figure 6-2 A USB NIC

Types of NICs (contd.)

New computers, laptops

Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th Edition

Types of NICs (contd.)

Figure 6-3 Motherboard with on-board NICs

Installing and Configuring NICs

Install expansion card NIC

Gather needed tools

Replace cover, turn on computer

Installing and Configuring NICs

Figure 6-4 A properly inserted expansion board NIC

Installing and Configuring NICs

Purchased computer with a peripheral

Add hardware to computer

Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th Edition

Installing and Configuring NICs

Drivers not available from operating system

Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th Edition

Installing and Configuring NICs

Visual inspection of LEDs

Use simple commands

GBIC (Gigabit interface converter)

SFPs (small form-factor pluggable)

Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th Edition

Modular Interfaces (contd.)

Figure 6-7 GBIC (Gigabit interface

Figure 6-8 SFP (small form-factor pluggable)

Courtesy Course Technology/Cengage Learning

Courtesy Course Technology/Cengage Learning

Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th Edition

Repeaters and Hubs

Most contain uplink port

Operate at Data Link OSI model layer

Network+ Guide to Networks, 6th Edition