ODA BULTUM UNIVERISTY

DEPARTMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT:
RESEARCH METHOD

TITLE PROJECT: STUDING NETWORK DEVICE &

THEIR FUNCTION

NAME: HABTAMU SAMUEL

ID NO: 1475

SUBMITTED TO : MR.SHAMBEL.

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Abstract: Networking devices, in a broader sense, are the end devices
that are connected to one another across a network and allow
communication to flow. Hubs, switches, and access points are examples
of network devices. These devices must be set up and have firmware that
needs to be updated. They require adequate bandwidth and consistent
connectivity, as well as, preferably, redundant connections in the case
that one or more of the devices or connections fails. This study primarily
focuses on the working of the most commonly used network devices in
offices and sometimes in households. Cisco Packet Tracer simulations
are demonstrated for the working of hubs, switches and access points.

INTRODUCTION

Network devices, or networking hardware, are physical devices that are

required for communication and interaction between hardware on a
computer network. Computer networks are the backbones of most
business enterprises.

Network devices form the essential backbone of connectivity,

facilitating communication and data transfer across global and local
networks. These devices, which include routers, switches, firewalls, and
access points, are fundamental to the structure and functionality of
modern network environments

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of

network devices, examining their functions and evaluating their
performance in various scenarios

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OBJECTIVE OF NETWORK DEVICE
The primary objective of this research paper is to provide a
comprehensive analysis of network devices and their functions within
modern network infrastructures. This study aims to achieve the
following specific objectives:

Evaluate Performance: To assess the performance characteristics

of various network devices, including routers, switches, firewalls,
and access points, under different network conditions. This
includes measuring throughput, latency, and reliability to
determine optimal device configurations.

Identify Security Vulnerabilities: To investigate common

security vulnerabilities associated with network devices and
propose strategies for mitigating these risks. This involves
examining device firmware, configurations, and protocols to
enhance the overall security posture of the network.

Examine Scalability: To analyze the scalability of network

devices in accommodating increasing numbers of connected
devices and higher volumes of data traffic. This objective seeks to
understand the limits and capabilities of network devices in
supporting growing network demands.

Ensure Interoperability: To study the interoperability of network

devices from different manufacturers and evaluate their
compatibility within heterogeneous network environments. This
includes identifying challenges and solutions for seamless
integration.

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 Simplify Configuration and Management: To explore methods
for simplifying the configuration and management of network
devices. This objective aims to reduce the complexity of network
administration and minimize the risk of misconfigurations that can
lead to performance issues or security breaches.

Provide Best Practices: To develop a set of best practices and

recommendations for the deployment, configuration, and
management of network devices. These guidelines will be based on
empirical data, simulations, and industry standards to enhance the

What is a Network?
A network refers to two or more connected
computers that can share resources such as
data, a printer, an Internet connection,
applications, or a combination of these
resources.

Router
 Router is transfer data from one network to another.
It connects different networks and directs data packets to their
destination by determining the best path.
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 Routers are essential for connecting to the internet.
 router is used to connect LAN and WAN .

Switch
 Connects devices within the same network (typically a LAN).
 It uses MAC addresses to forward data only to the specific device
it is intended for, thus increasing network efficiency

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 Firewall
 A firewall is a network security device, either hardware or
software-based, which monitors all incoming and outgoing
traffic and based on a defined set of security rules accepts,
rejects, or drops that specific traffic.
 It acts as a barrier between a trusted network and an
untrusted network to protect against unauthorized
access.

4. Access Point (AP)

 Extends a wired network by creating a wireless
network.
 Access points are used to connect wireless devices to
a wired network, enabling Wi-Fi access.
 access point is connected directly to a wired LAN,
providing a connection point for wireless users. If

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 more than one access point is connected to the
LAN,

5. Modem
 Converts digital data from a computer to analog
signals for a telephone line (and vice versa).
 It enables devices to connect to the internet over a
phone line or cable service

6, Gateway

 Acts as a bridge between two different networks,

 often with different protocols.
 Gateways play an important role in connecting
two networks.
 It translates data from one protocol to another to
ensure compatibility.

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 8. Hub
 Connects multiple Ethernet devices,
 Hub is act as a single network segment.
 hubs broadcast data to all devices in the network,
which can lead to inefficiencies.

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 9. Repeater
 Extends the range of a network by amplifying and
regenerating signals. This is useful in larger networks
where the signal may weaken over distances.

BROUTER
A brouter is a combination of a Bridge and a
Router. It provides the functions of a bridge and a
router, so it can operate at the data link and network
layers of the OSI Model.
A brouter can connect networks that use different
protocols.

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These devices work together to ensure
efficient, secure, and reliable
communication within and between
networks.

Statement of the Problem

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has led to an
ever-increasing reliance on network infrastructures. Network
devices, including routers, switches, firewalls, and access points,
are fundamental components that ensure the seamless operation
of these infrastructures. However, several critical issues persist
in the deployment, configuration, and management of these

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devices, affecting the overall performance, security, and
scalability of networks.

1, Performance Optimization: As the demand for high-

speed and reliable internet connectivity grows, optimizing
the performance of network devices becomes paramount.
Inefficiencies in device operation can lead to bottlenecks,
reduced bandwidth, and increased latency, impacting user
experience and organizational productivity.

2, Security Vulnerabilities: Network devices are frequent

targets of cyber-attacks, and their vulnerabilities can be
exploited to gain unauthorized access, disrupt services, or
steal sensitive data. Ensuring robust security measures and
timely updates for these devices is crucial to protecting
network integrity.
3, Scalability Challenges: the scalability of network
devices is a significant concern. Properly scaling network
infrastructure to accommodate increasing numbers of
connected devices without compromising performance or
security poses a substantial challenge.

4, Interoperability Issues: Networks often consist of

devices from various manufacturers, each with its own
proprietary protocols and standards. Ensuring seamless
interoperability among these diverse devices is essential for
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 the efficient operation of a heterogeneous network
environment.
5, Configuration Complexity: The complexity of
configuring and managing network devices can lead to
misconfigurations, which in turn can result in network
downtime, security breaches, and suboptimal performance.
Simplifying configuration processes and providing better
management tools are necessary to mitigate these risks.

methodology research study network device

Researching network devices involves a systematic approach to
ensure thorough analysis and accurate results. Here's a general
methodology for conducting a research study on network devices:

1. Define the Research Problem

 Identify the Objective: Clearly state the purpose of the

research. Are you investigating the performance, security, or
efficiency of network devices?
 Formulate Research Questions: Develop specific
questions that your research aims to answer.

2. Literature Review

 Review Existing Studies: Examine previous research on

network devices to understand the current state of
knowledge and identify gaps.
 Identify Key Concepts: Understand the fundamental
principles and technologies related to network devices.

3. Design the Research Study

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  Select Research Methods: Choose appropriate methods
such as experiments, simulations, surveys, or case studies.
 Develop Hypotheses: Formulate hypotheses based on the
research questions and literature review.

4. Data Collection

 Gather Data: Collect data using the chosen research

methods. This could involve setting up network devices,
running simulations, or conducting surveys.
 Ensure Data Quality: Verify the accuracy and reliability of
the collected data.

5. Data Analysis

 Analyze Data: Use statistical tools and software to analyze

the data. Look for patterns, trends, and correlations.
 Interpret Results: Interpret the results in the context of the
research questions and hypotheses.

6. Conclusion and Recommendations

 Summarize Findings: Summarize the key findings of the

research.
 Make Recommendations: Provide recommendations based
on the research findings. Suggest improvements or further
areas of study.

7. Report Writing

 Document the Study: Write a detailed report including the

research problem, methodology, data analysis, results, and
conclusions.
 Review and Revise: Review the report for accuracy and
completeness. Revise as necessary.

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Future Work
1, Advanced Performance Optimization network
devices

 developing algorithms that dynamically adapt to varying network

conditions,

2, Enhanced Security Measures

 more robust security measures

 advanced encryption methods
 protect network devices from emerging security risks.

3, Scalability Solutions for IoT

The development of more efficient and secure
network device.

Conclusion

The study of network devices reveals the integral role these components
play in the architecture and functionality of modern networks. Through
rigorous analysis and experimentation, we have identified critical
aspects that influence the performance, security, scalability, and
interoperability of network infrastructures.

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REFERENCES

1, Wikipedia contributors, 2021. Networking hardware Wikipedia, the

free encyclopedia. [Online; accessed 15-June-2021].
2, Wikipedia contributors, 2021. Computer network — Wikipedia, the
free encyclopedia. [Online; accessed 15-June-2021].
3, Balasubramaniam, D., 2015. “Computer networking: A survey”.
International Journal of Trend in Research and Development,, 2, 09.

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