does anyone can tell me what's different between router & HUB, bridge & switch. where are they used in? thanks. Pual

Routers interconnect networks over local or wide area networks and provide traffic control and filtering functions when more than one pathway exists between two end-points on the network. An example of a Router application is: -Connecting your local area network with the internet through a cable modem or DSL modem. A Hub is a central location for the attachment to workstations. Simple active hubs have a single task - to receive signals from one station and accurately retransmit them to another. Hubs are neccisary when: - You want to connect two or more nodes to a local area network in a star configuration. A Bridge is an internetworking device that provides a communication pathway between two or more network segments or subnetworks. The bridge providesa way for one workstation on network A to communicate with another workstation on network B. Routers and Gateways are other similar internetworking devices. Reasons to install a Bridge: - To expand the distance or number of nodes for the entire network. - To reduce traffic bottlenecks caused by an excessive number of attached nodes. - To link unlike networks such as Ethernet and token ring and forward packets between them, assuming they run the same network protocol. A Switch (or Switching Hub) is a device that that can segment a larger local area network to reduce the traffic load. One should implement a switch when: - You have a network with 20 or more useres that has bogged down the network by excess traffic. Split the network into two or more segments with devices that normally talk with each other. (Notes): You can have a Bridge/Router, and Auto Switching Hubs. Your question should have been: "What's different between Bridge & a Router, a Hub & Switch. where are they used in?" - Dual D Flip Flop Fear The Sheep http://www.fearthesheep.net

Conceptually - switching takes frame data from one interface and delivers it to another interface. Switches use Layer 2 switching, frames are switched based on MAC address information. Routers use Layer 3 switching, frames are switched based on network layer information. HUB - Local Area Network connectivity, typical use: Ethernet 10/100 MB/sec; max at from 10 to 50 users depending on application use of network. Beyond that, SWITCH - Local Area Network for high speed use. At the WAN (Wide Area Network) level, a switch is used for fast packet transfer. ROUTER - can act as either a bridge/router. Typical use to connect a LAN to a WAN.

can any one please give me all information about switch hub.with pics