What are Routers, Hubs, Switches, Bridges

Routers, hubs, switches, and bridges are all networking devices used to interconnect multiple devices within a network. Here's a brief overview of each:

• Routers: A router is a device that connects multiple networks together, typically by forwarding data packets between them. They are commonly used in homes and businesses to connect to the internet and can be used to create local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).

• Hubs: A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple devices together to form a network. All data that passes through a hub is broadcast to every device connected to it, which can cause congestion and slow down the network.

• Switches: A switch is a more advanced networking device that connects multiple devices together like a hub, but it can direct data to specific devices instead of broadcasting it to every device on the network. This helps to reduce congestion and improve network performance.

• Bridges: A bridge is a networking device that connects two LANs together to form a single larger network. They are used to extend the reach of a network and can be used to connect different types of networks, such as wired and wireless networks.

Each of these devices plays an important role in networking and can be used in combination to create complex networks to meet specific needs.