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Repeaters, Bridges, Routers, and Gateways
Your choice of media and the number of stations, networks, and protocols in your network may require the use of a repeater, bridge, router, or gateway. This section suggests the type of device required for certain network functions.
- repeater
- A device that regenerates and amplifies electrical signals. Its purpose is to extend the physical length of a network.
- bridge
- A device that decodes MAC-layer frames transmitted between different hardware and media. Its purpose is to resolve network media differences; it allows a network to be composed of various media types (Ethernet, fiber, serial, and so on). It can also be used to segment similar media types.
- router
- A device that decodes and passes network-layer packets between different networks. Its purpose is to provide the physical and logical route from one network to another.
- gateway
- A device that translates protocols from one station to another. Its purpose is to allow stations with different networking protocols to communicate successfully.
Note: The terms router and gateway are sometimes used interchangeably. Be sure you know the function of the device you are considering, as the term may be technically inaccurate.
Note that each device may not be limited to a single function. For example, a gateway may also perform router functions if it is configured as a router. Table 2-1 summarizes the characteristics of each network device.
Network Device Characteristics
| Device Name | Media | Protocol | LAN | Purpose |
|---|
| repeater | same | same | same | extends physical length of the network |
| bridge | different/same | different/same | same/different | bridge network media differences |
| router | same/different | same | different | provides physical and logical route between networks |
| gateway | same/different | different | same/different | communication between stations with different networking protocols |
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