It is evident that network devices and its various types foster communication and data exchange between devices. From routers to switches, modems to access points, each networking device has a distinct function that contributes to the smooth operation of a network. In this blog, let us explore the different types of networking devices, their functions, and how they work together to create a seamless network infrastructure.
Keep reading the blog till the end to understand it in detail.
What is Networking?
Networking is a sea of opportunities that has routes to finally bag your dream jobs. Networking includes various devices that initiate and stimulate efficient working in the field. These devices aim to make a network function smooth.
Now let us see closely how these devices work and the purpose they serve up close.
What are the types of network devices in computer networks?
The top computer network devices are as follows-
1. Hub
Hub (computing) refers to the connection point in a system, which is the melting pot, as data from many directions is linked here and further sent out in varied directions. A hub also often acts as a switch by stopping certain data packets from reaching their destinations.
Types of Hubs:
- Active Hub.
- Intelligent Hub.
- Passive Hub.
Configuration:
- The runtime set by the environment data hub requires DASD in a SYSPLEX environment.
- To make a high availability hub that enables movement from one LPAR to another refers to a recovery switchover.
- The hub host address needs to be defined by Dynamic VIPA (DVIP).
Need for Hub in networking:
- Multiple devices are connected using a hub.
- It also qualifies as a repeater as it strengthens signals languished after transiting over connecting cables.
- Hubs connect LAN components with identical protocols.
2. Switches
Switch in network devices are a secondary data link layer in the OSI model. They establish connectivity in the network where packet data is received and sent. Multiple computers are plugged into it as it has many ports.
Types of switches:
- KVM Switch
- Managed Switch
- Unmanaged Switch
- Smart Switch
- PoE Switch
Configuration:
- Small businesses use switches. Individuals at home also use switches. These require no configuration as they are plug-and-play.
- Small switches do not offer any troubleshooting, logging, security, or manageability.
Need for a Switch:
- Switches are building blocks for any network. They connect multiple devices, such as computers, wireless access points, printers, and servers, on the same network within a building or campus.
- A switch enables connected devices to share information and talk to each other.
3. Router
A router is a networking device that sends data packets between computer networks. They perform traffic-directing functions over the internet.
Types of Routers:
- Edge routers
- VPN routers.
- Wired routers
- Core routers
Configuration:
- Configuring a router begins by unplugging or switching off the cable or DSL modem. Firstly, unplug or turn off the cable or DSL modem. Then, the wireless router has to be plugged in and connected to the network cable into the port over the router labeled ‘internet’ or ‘WAN.’ The other end connects to the cable or DSL modem, and the modem starts.
Need for a Router:
- The router is one of the integral parts of a computing system.
- It works to manage traffic between networks by forwarding data packets to the IP address designated to them and also allowing multiple devices to use the same internet connection as well.
4. Bridge
A bridge is a device used to connect LAN cable segments. The bridge is operational at the data link layer of an OSI model. Bridges also streamline packet filtering at the data link layer, as it can only pass packets meant for the other side of the network.
Configuration:
- Bridging is one of the features employed to establish a connection between 2 or more interfaces from the single broadcast domain.
- They forward packets in software, basing it upon the header, resembling quite a lot to forward the logic to switching from where they move into hardware.
Need for a Bridge:
- Bridges connect two or more different LANs with a similar protocol and communication ports between the devices in them.
- Bridges help to multiply the network capacity of a single LAN by joining multiple LANs.
Note: Read this blog to know the difference between Hub, Bridge, and Switch.
5. Gateway
A gateway is a network node employed in telecommunications that connects two networks possessing varying transmission protocols Data communicates using the gateway before it begins to get routed.
Configuration:
- Primarily install and configure the second network adapter.
- Install and configure the second network adapter if you have not done so already. (See Installing a network adapter and Adapter management and configuration.)
- Choose an IP address for the second network interface, and then configure the network interface by following the instructions in Network interface management.
Need for a gateway:
- A gateway is a network node connecting two networks with varying transmission protocols in telecommunications.
6. Modem
A modem is a network device that modulates and demodulates analog carrier signals, known as signals or sine waves, for encoding and decoding digital information for processing. Modems efficiently accomplish both tasks.
Configuration:
- Using any device with a browser, you have to connect it to the Wi-Fi network of that particular modem.
- Open the browser and enter the gateway address.
- Enter the modem username and password, which should also be on the modem.
Need for a Modem:
- We need a modem to send and receive data from networking routes, an IP connection, and a home network.
7. Repeater
A repeater is implemented in a network to expand the coverage area, repropagate a weak or broken signal, and service remote nodes. Repeaters amplify the received and input signal to a higher frequency domain.
Configuration:
- In repeater mode, the access point tends to extend the range of any existing Wi-Fi network.
- This mode is most preferred if a person is in a no-Wifi zone or a place having poor reception.
8. Access Point
An access point creates a wireless local area network in an office or large building. An access point establishes a connection with a wired router using a switch via an Ethernet cable.
Configuration:
- The access point connects to one of the ports of the existing wired or wireless router, and then the wireless settings get configured.
- The web-based setup page opens by entering the default IP address.
- On the web-based setup page, click on ‘Wireless.’
- Enter the Network Name (SSID).
Need for an access point:
- Access points extend the wireless coverage of any network and further increase the number of users connected to it.
NOTE: The devices carry out smooth functioning, be it for individuals or organizations.
9. WLC - Wireless LAN Controller
Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLAN) provides wireless performance for all mobile devices and offers limited hotspot coverage.
Configuration:
- A wireless LAN controller (WLC) is a network component that manages wireless network access points and allows wireless devices to connect to the network.
- It offers central control over network elements and streamlines individual component monitoring.
Need for WLC:
- WLCs (Cisco WLC) control routers, switches, firewalls, gateways, etc.
- Monitoring Cisco WLC helps you determine the performance and efficiency of every device.
10. NIC - Network Interface Card
A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware component, typically a circuit board or chip, installed on a computer so it can connect to a network.
Configuration of NIC:
- To configure NIC, open the control panel.
- Set ‘View by’ to ‘Category.’
- Click ‘Network and Internet.’
- Click ‘Network and Sharing Center.’
- Select the local area network connection connected to the radio hardware and then select ‘properties.’
- If an unused network connection is available, the local area connection appears as an Unidentified network.
- A pluggable USB is a Gigabit Ethernet LAN adapter instead of a NIC.
- Clear all options except Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Services like antiviral software cause intermittent connection problems with the radio hardware.
Need for NIC:
- A NIC provides computers with a dedicated, full-time connection to the network.
- It implements the physical layer circuitry hailed as essential for communicating with a data link layer standard.
- Each card represents a device and can prepare, transmit, and control the data flow on the network.
11. Load Balancer
The load balancer is the traffic cop, sitting in front of any server and routing client requests across all servers, capable of fulfilling the former request. It maximizes speed and capacity utilization and ensures that no server happens to be overburdened.
Configuration:
- A load balancer is a protocol and a port for front-end (client to load balancer) connections and a protocol and a port for back-end (load balancer to instance) connections.
Need for a load balancer:
- Load balancers let you distribute network traffic to prevent failure caused by overloading a particular resource.
- The employed strategy improves the performance and availability of applications, databases, and other varied computing resources.
- It also aids user requests quickly and accurately.
NOTE: Join the Network Engineer Master’s Program at Network Kings and learn network devices and its various types in detail directly from a network engineer with over 12 years of industry experience.
Wrapping Up!
Networking devices play a critical role in establishing and maintaining communication networks. Understanding the different types of networking devices and how they work together is essential for building efficient and reliable network infrastructures. By leveraging the network devices for specific networking needs, organizations and individuals can create robust networks that support their communication requirements effectively.
Feel free to reach out to us for assistance!
HAPPY LEARNING!
