Have you ever wondered how a network is built and how data flows from one system to another? Building a network is impossible without the physical and virtual devices that comprise the network infrastructure. Network Devices, such as Hubs, Routers, Switches, Repeater etc. are the answer to all of these questions.
So, what exactly are network devices and what are their different types? Before we answer these questions, let’s go over the topics we’ll be covering in this blog:
- What are the network devices?
- Network devices types
- Hub
- Switch
- Router
- Bridge
- Gateway
- Modem
- Repeater
- Access Point
- Conclusion
What are the Network Devices?
Network devices are physical devices that allow hardware on a computer network to interact and communicate with one another. In layman’s terms, we can describe network devices in computer networks as the devices that connect fax machines, computers, printers and other electronic devices to the network. You can quickly, safely and accurately transfer data over one or more networks with the help of network devices. Network devices are also referred to as hardware and networking hardware.
Network Devices Types
So, now that we have a clear understanding of what network devices in computer networks are let’s move on to their types. As a network can be of various types, such as Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN); hence there are a lot of different network devices in computer networks. But, in this article, we will be going over some of the most common and popular types of network devices in computer networks. But, in this article, we will be going over some of the most common and popular types of network devices in computer networks, as shown in the image below:
A hub is one of the simplest networking devices that connects several computers or other network devices when referring to networking (network devices hub). In layman’s terms, a hub is a hardware device that allows multiple devices or connections to connect to a computer.
A USB hub, for example, allows multiple USB devices to connect with one computer, even if that computer only has one USB connection. Depending on the hub, the number of ports on a USB hub can range from 4 to over 100, and it operates at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model.
Advantages of Hub Network Device
- Easy to install
- Inexpensive
- Does not seriously affect network performance
Disadvantages Of Hub Network Device
- Cannot filter information
- Cannot reduce network traffic
- Broadcasts data to all ports
While hubs are cost-effective and simple, they lack advanced features like traffic control and data filtering.
A switch is a physical circuitry part that controls the flow of signals in networking (network devices switch). A switch enables you to open or close a connection. When the switch is opened, a signal or power can pass through the connection. When the switch is closed, the flow is stopped, and the circuit connection is broken. Early computers, such as the Altair, used switches as input. A network switch is much more advanced than a hub, but it isn’t as advanced as a router and operates at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model.
Advantages of Switch Network Device
- Increases the available bandwidth of the network
- Reduces the workload on individual host PCs
- Increase the performance of the network
Disadvantages of Switch Network Device
- More costly than network bridges
- Broadcast traffic can be problematic
- Network connectivity issues are harder to troubleshoot
Switches enhance network performance and efficiency but come with higher costs and troubleshooting challenges.
Router
In regards to networking (network devices router), a router is a piece of hardware that receives, analyses and forwards incoming packets to another network. Routers examine incoming packets to determine the correct target IP address and send the packet to that address.
Routers typically connect LANs and WANs and use a rapidly updating routing table to make routing decisions for data packets. Edge routers, core routers, virtual routers, wireless routers and various other types of routers are available, and they operate at the Network Layer( Layer 3) of the OSI model.
Advantages of Router Network Device
- connects various network architectures like Ethernet and Token Ring
- Reduces network traffic by creating collision and broadcast domains
- Chooses the best path across the inter network using dynamic routing algorithms
Disadvantages of Router Network Device
- works only with routable networks protocols
- More expensive than other network devices
- Slower due to analyzing data from layer 1 to layer 3
Routers offer efficient traffic management and compatibility across networks but are costlier and slower than simpler devices.
Bridge
In regards to networking, a bridge is a device that connects two LANs or two segments of the same LAN. Networking bridges operate at the OSI model’s Data Link Layer (Layer 2), and there are two types: the Transparent bridge and the Source Routing bridge. A Transparent Bridge works by filtering and forwarding frames based on MAC addresses without altering the data packet, allowing devices on the same network segment to communicate seamlessly. Meanwhile, a Source Routing Bridge determines the path a data packet should take based on routing information in the packet header, allowing it to navigate multiple network segments.
Advantages of Bridge Network Device
- Reduces collisions
- Reduces network traffic with minor segmentation
- Connects similar network types with different cabling
Disadvantages of Bridge Network device
- Does not filter broadcasts
- More expensive compared to Repeaters
- Slower compared to repeaters due to the filtering process
Bridges enhance network efficiency by reducing collisions and traffic but are slower and more expensive than repeaters.
Gateway
When referring to networking (network devices gateway), a gateway is a networked device that serves as an entry point into another network. a wireless router, for example , is frequently used as the default gateway in a home network. In short, a gateway acts as a messenger agent, taking data from one network, interpreting it and transferring it to another. Gateways, also known as protocol converters, can operate at any OSI model layer.
Advantages of Gateway Network Device
- Broadens the network
- Handles traffic issues effectively
- Links two different types of networks
Disadvantages of Gateway Network Device
- Does Not filter data
- Costly and difficult to manage
- Slower transmission rate due to protocol conversion
Gateways expend network connectivity and manage traffic well but are expensive and can slow down data transmission.
Modem 
In regards to networking ( network devices modem), a modem is a piece of hardware that enables a computer to transmit and receive data over telephone lines. In a nutshell, a modem is a piece of hardware that connects a computer or router to a broadband network.
When a signal is sent, the device converts digital data to an analog audio signal it over a phone line. Similarly, when an analog signal is received, it is converted back to a digital signal by the modem. Onboard modems, internal modems, external modems and removable modems are all examples of modems. a modem operate at the OSI mode’s physical layer (Layer 1) or Data link layer (Layer 2), depending on the type.
Advantages of Modem Network Device
- Easily connects LAN to the internet
- Converts digital signal into an analog signal
- Slower speed compared to a hub
Disadvantages of Modem Network Device
- Serves only as a bridge between LAN and the internet
- Cannot maintain network traffic
- Unaware of it’s destination path
Modems provide essential internet connectivity but have limited traffic management and slower speeds compared to other devices.
Repeater
With regards to networking (network devices repeater), a repeater is an item that boosts the strength of a signal so that it can travel longer distances without losing quality. These devices are commonly used in networks to help data reach further destinations.
A range extender or wireless repeater, for example, is a repeater that extends the range and strength of a Wi-Fi signal. A repeater is effective in office buildings, schools and factories where a signal wireless router cannot reach all areas. A repeater operates at the OSI model’s physical layer (Layer 1).
Advantages of Repeater Network Device
- Simple to set up and inexpensive
- Does not require additional processing
- Can connect signals with various types of cables
Disadvantages of Repeater Network Device
- Cannot connect disparate networks
- Unable to distinguish between actual signals and noise
- Cannot reduce network traffic
Repeater are cost-effective and easy to set up but have limited functionality in managing network traffic and connecting different networks.
Access Point
In terms of networking, an access point (AP) is a wireless network device that acts as a portal for devices to connect to a Local Area Network (LAN). Access points can extend an existing network’s wireless coverage and increase the number of users who can connect. Wireless access points (WAPs) are devices that combine a transmitter and receiver (transceiver) to form a wireless LAN (WLAN). The access point operates at the OSI model’s Data Link layer (Layer 2)
Advantages of Access Point Network Device
- Easy and fast to install
- allows data transmission while moving
- Simple to extend to areas without wires and cables
Disadvantages of Access Point Network Device
- Limited range of network devices, causing issues for many users
- Installation can be difficult and time-consuming
- Susceptible to interference, fog and radiation that can cause malfunction
Access points offer mobility and ease of installation but are limited by range, installation complexity and susceptibility to interference.
Conclusion
A solid understanding of network equipment can help you design and build a secure network for your business. However, you must closely monitor the activities surrounding your network equipment and the system to ensure that each component operates at peak efficiency. Strong security is also critical for keeping it safe from unauthorized access.