Network Devices
Explore the fundamental hardware components that make up modern networks.
Routers
Routers are the backbone of the internet and large networks. They connect different networks and direct data packets to their destination using IP addresses and routing tables.
- Inter-network communication
- Path determination
- Traffic management
Switches
Switches operate at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) and connect devices within a single network (LAN). They use MAC addresses to forward data frames efficiently to the intended recipient.
- Intra-network communication
- MAC address learning
- Collision domain segmentation
Hubs
Hubs are older, simpler devices that connect multiple devices in a network segment. Unlike switches, hubs broadcast incoming data to all connected ports, leading to lower efficiency and more collisions.
- Broadcast communication
- Shared bandwidth
- Less common in modern networks
Firewalls
Firewalls act as a security barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks (like the internet). They filter incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security rules.
- Network security
- Packet filtering
- Access control
Access Points (APs)
Wireless Access Points allow Wi-Fi enabled devices to connect to a wired network. They bridge the gap between wireless and wired communication, enabling mobile connectivity.
- Wireless connectivity
- Network extension
- Signal broadcasting
Modems
Modems (Modulator-Demodulator) translate digital signals from your computer or network into analog signals that can travel over telephone lines or cable lines, and vice-versa for incoming data.
- Signal conversion
- Internet connection
- Data transmission