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The Foundations of Networking

Switches, routers, and wireless access points perform key functions for networks: Switches connect computers and devices within a network and allow them to communicate with each other. Routers connect multiple networks, including a business network to the internet, and direct data traffic between networks. Wireless access points allow devices to connect to a network without cables, providing flexible wireless connectivity.

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334 views3 pages

The Foundations of Networking

Switches, routers, and wireless access points perform key functions for networks: Switches connect computers and devices within a network and allow them to communicate with each other. Routers connect multiple networks, including a business network to the internet, and direct data traffic between networks. Wireless access points allow devices to connect to a network without cables, providing flexible wireless connectivity.

Uploaded by

Sergey
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

The foundations of networking: switches, routers, and wireless

access points
Switches, routers, and wireless access points are the essential networking basics. Through them,
devices connected to your network can communicate with one another and with other networks,
like the Internet. Switches, routers, and wireless access points perform very different functions in
a network.
Switches
Switches are the foundation of most business networks. A switch acts as a controller, connecting
computers, printers, and servers to a network in a building or a campus.
Get started with a free trial of Cisco Meraki cloud networking
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 How to set up a small business network
 What is a switch vs. a router?
 How does a network switch work?
 What is Information Technology?

On-premises or cloud-managed? Discover which network switch fits your small


business needs.
 Explore switches
Switches allow devices on your network to communicate with each other, as well as with other
networks, creating a network of shared resources. Through information sharing and resource
allocation, switches save money and increase productivity.
There are two basic types of switches to choose from as part of your networking basics: on-
premises and cloud-managed.
 A managed on-premises switch lets you configure and monitor your LAN, giving you tighter
control of your network traffic.
 Have a small IT team? A cloud-managed switch can simplify your network management. You
get a simple user interface, multisite full-stack management, and automatic updates delivered
directly to the switch.
Routers
Routers connect multiple networks together. They also connect computers on those networks to
the Internet. Routers enable all networked computers to share a single Internet connection, which
saves money.
A router acts a dispatcher. It analyzes data being sent across a network, chooses the best route for
data to travel, and sends it on its way.
Routers connect your business to the world, protect information from security threats, and can
even decide which computers receive priority over others.
Beyond those basic networking functions, routers come with additional features to make
networking easier or more secure. Depending on your security needs, for example, you can
choose a router with a firewall, a virtual private network (VPN), or an Internet Protocol (IP)
communications system.

Learn how to choose the right VPN router for your small business.
 Explore routers

Access Points
An access point* allows devices to connect to the wireless network without cables. A wireless
network makes it easy to bring new devices online and provides flexible support to mobile
workers.

Stay connected from anywhere with wireless access points.


 Explore access points

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