Explain the following devices: Switch, Repeater, Router, Gateway, NIC

Q. Explain the following devices:

(a) Switch

(b) Repeater

(c) Router

(d) Gateway

(e) NIC

Answer:-

(a) Switch:-
A switch is a device that is used to segment networks into different sub-networks called sub-nets or LAN segments. Segmenting the network into smaller subnets, prevents traffic overloading in a network.
A switch is responsible for filtering i.e., transforming data in a specific way and for forwarding packets (a piece of message being transmitted) between LAN segments. Switch can support any packet protocol. LANs that are segmented through switches are called Switched LANS.

(b) Repeater: - A repeater is an analog device that works with signals on the cables to which it is connected. The weakened signal appearing on the cable is regenerated and put back on the cable by a repeater.

(c) Router: - A router works like a bridge but can handle different protocols.

(d) Gateway: - Device that connects dissimilar network.

(e) NIC:-
Ethernet card, also known as Network Interface Card (NIC card in short) is a network adapter used to set up a wired network. It acts as an interface between computer and the network. It is a circuit board mounted on the motherboard of a computer. The Ethernet cable connects the computer to the network through NIC. Ethernet cards can support data transfer between 10 Mbps and 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps). Each NIC has a MAC address, which helps in uniquely identifying the computer on the network.