Network Devices

 Network devices are physical devices that allow hardware on a computer network
to communicate and interact with each other.
 A network device is a piece of hardware or software integral to communication
between a computer and an internet network.
 Network devices like hubs, repeaters, bridges, switches, routers, gateways, and
routers help manage and direct data flow in a network.
 They ensure efficient communication between connected devices by controlling
data transfer, boosting signals, and linking different networks.
 Each device serves a specific role, from simple data forwarding to complex
routing between networks.

Functions of Network Devices

 Network devices help to send and receive data between different devices or it
facilitate data transmission and communication between devices.

 Enhance network performance and optimize traffic flow.

 Simplify network management and configuration

 Network devices allow devices to connect to the network efficiently and securely.

 Network devices improve network speed and manage data flow better.

 It protect the network by controlling access and preventing threats.

 Expand the network range and solve or overcome signal problems and limitattions.

Common Types of Network Devices and Their Uses

Network devices work as a mediator between two devices for transmission of data, and
thus play a very important role in the functioning of a computer network.

Below are some common network devices used in modern networks:

1) Repeater

A repeater operates at OSI model’s physical layer (Layer 1). Its main function is to
amplify (i.e., regenerate) the signal over the same network before the signal becomes too
weak or corrupted to extend the length to which the signal can be transmitted over the
same network. It is a powered device that reenergizes the signal to keep traveling further.
When the signal becomes weak, they copy it bit by bit and regenerate it. It is a 2-port
device. Dedicated repeaters are rarely used today, as powered hubs, switches, and routers
do the job of a repeater.

2) Hub
A hub is a multiport repeater. A hub connects multiple wires coming from different
branches, for example, the connector in star topology which connects different stations.
Hubs cannot filter data, so data packets are sent to all connected devices. Also, they do
not have the intelligence to find out the best path for data packets which leads to
inefficiencies and wastage.
Types of Hub
 Active Hub: These are the hubs that have their power supply and can clean, boost,
and relay the signal along with the network. It serves both as a repeater as well as
a wiring center.
 Passive Hub: These are the hubs that collect wiring from nodes and power supply
from the active hub. These hubs relay signals onto the network without cleaning
and boosting them.
 Intelligent Hub: It works like an active hub and includes remote management
capabilities. They also provide flexible data rates to network devices. It also
enables an administrator to monitor the traffic passing through the hub and to
configure each port in the hub
Once widespread, hubs are now rarely used as switches have replaced them. Like
repeaters, hubs operate at the OSI model’s physical layer (Layer 1).
3) Bridge

A bridge operates at the data link layer. A bridge is a repeater, with add on the
functionality of filtering content by reading the MAC addresses of the source and
destination. It is also used for interconnecting two LANs working on the same protocol.
A bridge is not strictly limited to two ports, it can have multiple ports to connect and
manage multiple network segments. Modern multi-port bridges are often called Layer 2
switches because they perform similar functions.

While a hub connects multiple devices, a network bridge connects two or more network
segments and filters the traffic between them. Their role is to isolate local segment traffic
and reduce traffic congestion for better network performance. A local bridge connects
two or more network segments within the exact physical location or LAN. In contrast, a
remote bridge connects network segments that are geographically separated, often over a
WAN link.

Types of Bridges

 Transparent Bridges: These are the bridge in which the stations are completely
unaware of the bridge’s existence i.e. whether or not a bridge is added or deleted
from the network, reconfiguration of the stations is unnecessary. These bridges
make use of two processes i.e. bridge forwarding and bridge learning(build and
maintain a MAC address table by examining incoming frames’ source addresses
and making forwarding decisions by checking the destination MAC address
against this table.).

 Source Routing Bridges: In these bridges, routing operation is performed by the

source station and the frame specifies which route to follow. The host can discover
the frame by sending a special frame called the discovery frame, which spreads
through the entire network using all possible paths to the destination( They are
obsolete nowadays).

4) Modem: A modem (short for modulator(digitial to analog)-demodulator(analog to

digital)) is a device that converts digital signals into analog signals of different
frequencies and transmits them to a modem at the receiving location. These converted
signals from the modem can be transmitted over telephone lines, cable systems, or
other communication mediums. A modem also works to convert incoming analog
signals back into digital data. Modems are generally used to access internet by
customers of an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Types of Modems
There are four main types of modems:
 DSL Modem: Uses regular phone lines to connect to the internet but it is slower
compared to other types.
  Cable Modem: Sends data through TV cables, providing faster internet than DSL.
 Wireless Modem: Connects devices to the internet using Wi-Fi relying on nearby
Wi-Fi signals.
 Cellular Modem: Connects to the internet using mobile data from a cellular
network instead of Wi-Fi or fixed cables.

5) Router: A router is a device like a switch that routes data packets based on their IP
addresses. The router is mainly a Network Layer device. Routers normally connect
LANs and WANs and have a dynamically updating routing table based on which they
make decisions on routing the data packets.
 They are intelligent devices that store information about their connected
networks. Routers commonly use access control lists (ACLs) to filter the
traffic.
 Routers also divide internal networks into two or more subnetworks and can be
connected internally to other routers, creating zones that operate independently.
 Routers establish communication by maintaining tables about destinations and
local connections.
 A router also contains information about the routers they are connected to and
uses this information to forward packets to any destination it doesn’t know
about.
There are two types of router:
1. Static Router
2. Dynamic Router
Static Router
A static router uses manually configured routes to direct network traffic to ensure
consistent, predefined data-pack paths without automatically adjusting to network
changes. They are ideal for smaller networks.
Dynamic Router
A dynamic router automatically communicates with other dynamic routers to modify
its routing table based on real-time network conditions. It uses dynamic routing
protocolsto exchange information about network topology and link states with other
routers. These protocols enable routers to discover optimal paths, adapt to network
changes, and reroute traffic efficiently. Dynamic routers continuously update their
routing tables. They can quickly respond to network failures or congestion by finding
alternative routes. This flexibility makes them ideal for large, complex networks
where manual configuration would be impractical.

6) Switch: A switch is a multiport bridge with a buffer that can boost its efficiency and
performance. A switch is a data link layer device. The switch can perform error
checking before forwarding data, which makes it very efficient as it does not forward
packets that have errors and forward good packets selectively to the correct port only.
Types of Switch
  Unmanaged Switches: These switches have a simple plug-and-play design and do
not offer advanced configuration options. They are suitable for small networks or
for use as an expansion to a larger network.
 Managed Switches: These switches offer advanced configuration options. They
are suitable for larger, more complex networks and allow for centralized
management.
 Smart Switches: These switches have features similar to managed switches but
are typically easier to set up and manage. They are suitable for small- to medium-
sized networks.
 Layer 2 Switches: These switches operate at the Data Link layer of the OSI
model and are responsible for forwarding data between devices on the same
network segment.
 Layer 3 switches: These switches operate at the Network layer of the OSI model
and can route data between different network segments. They are more advanced
than Layer 2 switches and are often used in larger, more complex networks.
 PoE Switches: These switches have Power over Ethernet capabilities, which
allows them to supply power to network devices over the same cable that carries
data.
 Gigabit switches: These switches support Gigabit Ethernet speeds, which are
faster than traditional Ethernet speeds.
 Desktop Switches: These switches are designed for use on a desktop or in a small
office environment and are typically smaller in size than rack-mounted switches.
 Modular Switches: These switches have modular design, which allows for easy
expansion or customization. They are suitable for large networks and data centers.

7) Gateway: A gateway, as the name suggests, is a passage to connect two networks that
may work upon different networking models. They work as messenger agents that
take data from one system, interpret it, and transfer it to another system. Gateways are
also called protocol converters and These devices usually work at the OSI model’s
Transport and Session layers (Layer 5 and 6). Gateways are generally more complex
than switches or routers.

8) Network Interface Card(NIC): NIC or network interface card is a network adapter

that is used to connect the computer to the network. It is installed in the computer to
establish a LAN. It has a unique id that is written on the chip, and it has a connector
to connect the cable to it. The cable acts as an interface between the computer and the
router or modem. NIC card is a layer 2 device which means that it works on both the
physical and data link layers of the network model.

9) Firewalls
A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls the flow of data
between your computer or network and the internet. It acts as a barrier, blocking
unauthorized access while allowing trusted data to pass through. Firewalls help
 protect your network from hackers, viruses, and other online threats by filtering traffic
based on security rules. Firewalls can be physical devices (hardware), programs
(software), or even cloud-based services.

10) Access Point

An access point in networking is a device that allows wireless devices, like smartphones and
laptops, to connect to a wired network. It creates a Wi-Fi network that lets wireless devices
communicate with the internet or other devices on the network. Access points are used to extend
the range of a network or provide Wi-Fi in areas that do not have it. They are commonly found in
homes, offices, and public places to provide wireless internet access.

EXAMPLE: Wi-Fi Hotspots in Public Places:

 Airports, coffee shops, libraries, and hotels use access points to provide internet
connectivity to their customers. For example:
o The Wi-Fi you connect to at a Starbucks store.
o Airport lounges offering free Wi-Fi to travelers.