CHAPTER 15
Understanding Network Connectivity Devices

All intelligent devices attached to a network must have a network interface adapter capable of physically connecting the device to the network transmission media. These network connectivity devices provide physical connection schemes (such as plugs and jacks) as well as electrical compatibility between the device and the signals traveling across the transmission media (cables or airwaves). The network typically contains other connectivity devices that connect different portions of the network together and perform different network management functions. These connectivity devices are usually switches or routers. In large or complex networks, you might also find devices, called bridges, which are used to interconnect different sections of the network. Although each device provides physical connectivity, each device also features specific methods of operation that make it suitable for use in specific network applications. In some cases...