BICOL TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE, INC.

Aguinaldo St. Bacacay Albay

TVL GRADE 12

Module Title and Code: Computer Systems Servicing NC II

Content Expert: Mary Ann B. Barcelona

Unit # and Name: Set-up Computer Network

Session # and Name: Network Tools, Equipment and Testing Devices

Expected Time Completion:

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of the module the students should be able to:

1. Identify the different network tools, equipment and testing devices
2. Determine the used and functions of these different network tools, equipment and
testing devices.

Content:

INTRODUCTION
Different networking devices have different roles to play in a computer network. These
network devices also work at different segments of a computer network performing
different works. In our new series after network topology, we talk about different
networking devices like a switch, router, hub, bridge etc.

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 Hub
Hubs enable computers on a network to
communicate. Each computer plugs into the hub
with an Ethernet cable, and information sent from
one computer to another passes through the hub. A
hub can't identify the source or intended destination
of the information it receives, so it sends the
information to all of the computers connected to it,
including the one that sent it. A hub can send or
receive information, but it can't do both at the same
time. This makes hubs slower than switches. Hubs
are the least complex and the least expensive of
these devices.

Two categories:
1. Active Hub: They are smarter than the passive hubs. They not only provide the path
for the data signals in fact they regenerate, concentrate and strengthen the signals
before sending them to their destinations. Active hubs are also termed as
‘repeaters’.
2. Passive Hub: They are more like point contact for the wires to build in the physical
network. They have nothing to do with modifying the signals.

Switches
Switches work the same way as hubs,
but they can identify the intended
destination of the information that
they receive, so they send that
information to only the computers
that are supposed to receive it. Switches can send and receive information at the same
time, so they can send information faster than hubs can. If your home network has four
or more computers or you want to use your network for activities that require passing a
lot of information between computers (such as playing network games or sharing music),
you should probably use a switch instead of a hub. Switches cost a little more than hubs.

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 Bridge
A bridge is a computer networking device that builds the connection with the other bridge
networks which use the same
protocol. It works at the Data
Link layer of the OSI Model
and connects the different
networks together and
develops communication
between them. It connects two
local-area networks; two
physical LANs into larger
logical LAN or two segments
of the same LAN that use the
same protocol.
Apart from building up larger
networks, bridges are also used to segment larger networks into smaller portions. The
bridge does so by placing itself between the two portions of two physical networks and
controlling the flow of the data between them. Bridges nominate to forward the data after
inspecting into the MAC address of the devices connected to every segment. The
forwarding of the data is dependent on the acknowledgement of the fact that the
destination address resides on some other interface. It has the capacity to block the
incoming flow of data as well. Today Learning bridges have been introduced that build a
list of the MAC addresses on the interface by observing the traffic on the network. This
is a leap in the development field of manually recording of MAC addresses.
Ethernet switches are seen to be gaining trend as compared to bridges. They are
succeeding on the account of provision of logical divisions and segments in the
networking field. In fact, switches are being referred to as multi-port bridges because of
their advanced functionality.

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 Router
Routers enable computers to communicate and they can pass information between two
networks—such as between your home network and the Internet. This capability to direct
network traffic is what gives the router its name. Routers can be wired (using Ethernet
cables) or wireless. If you just want to connect your computers, hubs and switches work
well; however, if you want to give all of your computers access to the Internet using one
modem, use a router or a modem with a built-in router. Routers also typically provide
built-in security, such as a firewall.

Access Point
Access points (also called base stations) provide wireless access to a wired Ethernet
network. An access point plugs into a hub, switch, or wired router and sends out wireless
signals. This enables computers and devices to connect to a wired network wirelessly.
Access points act a lot like cellular phone towers: you can move from one location to
another and continue to have wireless access to a network. When you connect to the
Internet wirelessly using a public wireless network in an airport, coffee shop, or hotel,
you are usually connecting through an access point. If you want to connect your
computers wirelessly and you have a router that provides wireless capability, you don't
need an access point. Access points don't have built-in technology for sharing Internet
connections. To share an Internet connection, you must plug an access point into a router
or a modem with a built-in router.

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 Gateway
Gateway is a device which is used to connect multiple networks and passes packets from
one packet to the other network. Acting as the ‘gateway’ between different networking
systems or computer programs, a gateway is a device which forms a link between them.
It allows the computer programs, either on the same computer or on different computers
to share information across the network through protocols. A router is also a gateway,
since it interprets data from one network protocol to another.

Modem
Modem is a device which converts the
computer-generated digital signals of a
computer into analog signals to enable their
travelling via phone lines. The ‘modulator-
demodulator’ or modem can be used as a
dial up for LAN or to connect to an ISP.
Modems can be both external, as in the
device which connects to the USB or the
serial port of a computer, or proprietary devices for handheld gadgets and other devices,
as well as internal; in the form of add-in expansion cards for computers and PCMCIA
cards for laptops.

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 Patch Panel
A panel that allows multiple devices to be
connected and managed in a more
efficient manner. Computer networks,
sound studios, television stations, and a
number of other systems use patch panels
to deal with components of their
electronic systems.

UTP Cable

Short for unshielded twisted pair, a

popular type of cable that consists of two
unshielded wires twisted around each
other. Due to its low cost, UTP cabling is
used extensively for local-area networks
(LANs) and telephone connections.

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 Modular Box
Also known as, wall jack or plate, it is used to
cover a portion of a wall where there is an
opening for networking outlets. The cover is
usually rectangular in shape and allows the
cable(s) to come through the wall while still
covering the larger opening.

Repeater
A network device used to regenerate or
replicate a signal. Repeaters are used in
transmission systems to regenerate analog or
digital signals distorted by transmission loss.
Analog repeaters frequently can only amplify
the signal while digital repeaters can
reconstruct a signal to near its original
quality. In a data network, a repeater can relay
messages between subnetworks that use
different protocols or cable types. Hubs can
operate as repeaters by relaying messages to
all connected computers. A repeater cannot
do the intelligent routing performed by
bridges and routers.

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 RJ-45
Short for Registered Jack-45, a RJ-45 is an
8-pin connection used for Ethernet network
adapters. This connector resembles the RJ-
11 or 6-pin connector used with telephones
in the United States, but they're completely
different. The picture is of a RJ-45
connector separated from the cable. This
connector is most commonly connected to
the end of Cat5 cable, which is connected
between a computer network card and a
network device such as a network router.

Cable Tester
A cable tester is a device that is used to test
the strength and connectivity of a particular
type of cable or other wired assemblies.
There are a number of different types of
cable testers, each able to test a specific type
of cable or wire (some may be able to test
different types of cables or wires). A cable
tester can test whether a cable or wire is set
up properly, connected correctly, and the
communication strength between the source
and destination.

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 Punch Down Tool

A punch down tool, also called a krone tool, is

a hand tool used to connect telecommunications
and network wires to a patch panel, punch down
block, keystone module, or surface mount box.
The "punch down" part of the name comes from
punching a wire into place using an impact
action. It consists of a handle, a spring
mechanism, and a removable slotted blade.
When the punch down tool connects a wire, the
blade cuts o the excess wire.

Crimping Tool
A crimping tool is a device used to conjoin two
pieces of metal by deforming one or both of
them in a way that causes them to hold each
other. The result of the tool's work is called a
crimp. A good example of crimping is the
process of axing a connector to the end of a
cable. For instance, network cables and phone
cables are created using a crimping tool (shown
below) to join the RJ-45 and RJ-11 connectors
to the both ends of either phone or CAT5 cable

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 Wire Stripper
A tool designed to remove the protective
covering (jacket) o of a cable to expose the
inner wires. Because different wires come in
different shapes, there are dozens of different
wire strippers available. In the picture is an
example of a wire stripper that strips cables
when placed in-between the blade and the
holder and spun around the cable until the
cable jacket can be pulled off.

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 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Hubs enable computers on a network to communicate.
Active Hub: They are smarter than the passive hubs.
Passive Hub: They are more like point contact for the wires to build in the physical
network.
Switches work the same way as hubs, but they can identify the intended destination of
the information that they receive, so they send that information to only the computers that
are supposed to receive it.
Bridge is a computer networking device that builds the connection with the other bridge
networks which use the same protocol.
Routers enable computers to communicate and they can pass information between two
networks—such as between your home network and the Internet.
Wireless access points (APs or WAPs) (also called base stations) provide wireless
access to a wired Ethernet network.
Gateway is a device which is used to connect multiple networks and passes packets from
one packet to the other network.
Modem is a device which converts the computer-generated digital signals of a computer
into analog signals to enable their travelling via phone lines.
Patch Panel -A panel that allows multiple devices to be connected and managed in a
more efficient manner.
UTP cable -Short for unshielded twisted pair, a popular type of cable that consists of two
unshielded wires twisted around each other.
Modular box -Also known as, wall jack or plate, it is used to cover a portion of a wall
where there is an opening for networking outlets.
Repeater -A network device used to regenerate or replicate a signal.
RJ 45 -Short for Registered Jack-45, a RJ-45 is an 8-pin connection used for Ethernet
network adapters.
Cable tester is a device that is used to test the strength and connectivity of a particular
type of cable or other wired assemblies.

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 Punch down tool, also called a krone tool, is a hand tool used to connect
telecommunications and network wires to a patch panel, punch down block, keystone
module, or surface mount box.
Crimping tool is a device used to conjoin two pieces of metal by deforming one or both
of them in a way that causes them to hold each other.
Wire stripper -A tool designed to remove the protective covering (jacket) o of a cable to
expose the inner wires.

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 Assessment:

Network Tools Self Check

A. Multiple Choices: Write the correct answer in your answer sheet.
1. Enable computers to communicate and they can pass information between two
networks—such as between your home network and the Internet.
a) Router
b) Hub
c) Access Point
d) Modem
2. A panel that allows multiple devices to be connected and managed in a more
efficient manner.
a) Raceway
b) Patch Panel
c) Hub
d) Switch
3. Provide wireless access to a wired Ethernet network.
a) Wireless Access Point
b) Hub
c) Patch Panel
d) Switch
4. Also called a krone tool, is a hand tool used to connect telecommunications and
network wires to a patch panel, punch down block, keystone module, or surface
mount box.
a) Crimping Tool
b) LAN Tester
c) Punch Down Tool
d) Wire Stripper
5. Is a device used to conjoin two pieces of metal by deforming one or both of them
in a way that causes them to hold each other.
a) Crimping Tool
b) LAN Tester
c) Punch Down Tool
d) Wire Stripper

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 B. Answer the following questions:
1. What are the difference of Hub to router?
2. What is the maximum range of a Wi-Fi router?
3. What are the purpose of Access Point or Repeater?
4. Enumerate the kinds of Network Devices.

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