Backbone Networks.ppt

Backbone Networks Chapter 7 Backbone Network Components There are two basic components to a backbone network: The network cable - essentially the same as used in LANs, except it is usually higher quality to provide higher data rates. The hardware devices that connect other networks to the backbone - special purpose devices and computers that just transfer messages from one network to another. Backbone Network Devices Bridges Bridges operate at the data link layer. They connect two LAN segments that use the same data link and network protocol. They may use the same or different types of cables. Bridges “learn” whether to forward packets, and only forward those messages that need to go to other network segments. Bridges Bridges If a bridge receives a packet with a destination address that is not in the address table, it forwards the packet to all networks or network segments except the one on which it was received. Bridges are a combination of both hardware and software, typically a “black box” that sits between the two networks, but can also be a computer with two NICs and special software. Switches Like bridges, switches operate at the data link layer. Switches connect two or more computers or network segments that use the same data link and network protocol. They may connect the same or different types of cable. Switches operate at the same layers as bridges but differ from them in two ways: First, most switches enable all ports to be in use simultaneously, making them faster than bridges. Second, unlike bridges, switches don’t learn addresses, and need to have addresses defined. Example: Intel Express 510 T switch. Switches There are two types of switches: Cut-through switches examine the destination of the incoming packet and immediately connect the port with the incoming message to the correct outgoing port. It is hardware-based. Store-and-forward switches copy the incoming packet into memory before processing the destination address. Switched Ethernet