What are Network Devices? – IT Glossary | SolarWinds

What are some of the most important network devices?

Hub: A hub transmits the incoming data packets to its connected devices without confirming the actual packet destination. The absence of packet filtering in hubs often creates performance bottlenecks in busy networks. Hubs that only provide a passage to data packets are known as passive hubs. In contrast, active hubs regenerate or amplify the signal before transmitting it to its connected devices and thereby serves as a repeater. With proper configuration, both active and passive hubs can route analog and digital signals.

Switch: A switch is a multi-port device designed to transmit incoming data packets to correct ports or devices based on the destination MAC or hardware address. It’s typically more intelligent than a hub as it can improve the network performance with advanced features such as intelligent packet forwarding and full-duplex communication. It can also control access to various parts of the network, thereby enhancing network security. Multi-layer switches can operate as a router and thereby known as advanced network devices.

Router: A router is popular networking hardware that can connect two network segments or subnets to create an extensive network. As a network layer device, the router collects and stores information such as the IP address of its connected devices in a routing table and uses it for packet forwarding to the right destination. Routers can operate with static and dynamic routing. Static routing requires manual configuration and is less effective in dynamic networks. In contrast, dynamic routing allows routers to exchange information with other routers using special routing protocols and identify the most optimal path for data transfer.

Bridge: A bridge is a data link layer device that interconnects two different LANs using the same protocol. Bridges are like switches as they can perform intelligent packet forwarding by comparing the source and destination MAC address. However, unlike switch, the bridge has a single input and output port, making it less effective for network communication.

Gateway: A gateway is among the advanced network devices that offer data format translation and protocol conversion capabilities. For example, a router can act as a gateway in a network as it translates the incoming data format as per destination network protocol requirements. Similarly, devices like switches and bridges can also serve as a gateway in different networks. Gateway uses packet switching for data transfer from the source to the destination network.

Modem: A modem typically performs analog to digital signal conversion and vice versa. It serves as an endpoint on conventional phone lines offering DSL services. Hardware devices that act as modems include PCMCIA cards and external devices with USB connectivity. The dial-up connection speed of the modem relies on two factors: its own speed and the UART chip of the computer attached to it.

Repeater: A repeater is an OSI Layer 1 device and performs signal amplification to transmit data over long distances. Regeneration of weak signals allows it to increase the range of the network. For example, a repeater can extend any LAN or WAN network without impacting its core functionality.

Access Point (AP): An access point is a transceiver device that connects wireless and ethernet LAN. It has a transmitter, receiver, and built-in antenna, allowing it to create a wireless LAN. An AP typically has multiple ports for network expansion or to support more endpoint devices. Its transmission range depends upon the environmental conditions and obstructions between the wireless client and AP. Multi-port APs can also operate as a switch, firewall, and DHCP server in a network.