| A | B |
|---|
| Hub | Multiport repeater |
| Repeater | Single port device that extends a network |
| Switch | Data-link layer device that acts as a multiport bridge |
| Router | Network layer device that forwards information on an optimal path |
| Bridge | Layer 2 device connecting two LAN segments and forwards information based upon MAC addresses |
| NIC | Layer 2 device that is a printed circuit board |
| Topology | Term used to describe the structure of a network |
| Bus Topology | A single backbone segment that all hosts connect to directly |
| Star Topology | Connects all host cables to a central point of concentration |
| Ring Topology | Connects one host to the next and the last host to the first |
| Mesh Topology | A redundant network topology that is used for high security areas such as the Department of Defense |
| Hosts | Devices that connect directly to a network segment |
