This is the third part of the Computer Networking series! If you haven't checked out the earlier parts, make sure to do so. In this post, we’ll explore various networking devices.
Networking devices are essential components that allow devices to communicate within a network. They come in various forms and serve different purposes, such as extending network range, converting data formats, or managing traffic.
Types of Networking Devices
Internal Devices: Found inside desktops, laptops, or mobile devices, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi cards, and Bluetooth. Disconnecting these devices affects only the specific device, as they are not shared among network users.
External Devices: Shared devices that multiple users in a network use, either directly or indirectly. Examples include routers, modems, and hubs.
Portable Devices: Battery-powered devices that create temporary networks, such as Wi-Fi hotspots. For example, you can create a hotspot with your mobile device to share your internet connection with others.
List of Networking Devices
Internal Devices
- Network Interface Controller (NIC)
- Wireless Network Interface Controller
- Bluetooth Dongle
External Devices
- Hub
- Switch
- Router
- Brouter
- Bridge
- Repeater
- Modem
- Gateway
- Wi-Fi Routers / Broadband Routers
Portable Devices
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Portable Modem Dongle
Detailed Overview of Key Networking Devices
Repeater
A Repeater extends the range of a signal to cover longer distances. It’s an electronic device that receives and retransmits signals, useful for both wired media (e.g., telephone line, fiber optic cable) and wireless media (e.g., satellite, microwave, Wi-Fi, LTE).
Modem
A Modem (Modulator-Demodulator) converts digital data from computers into analog signals for transmission over phone lines, and back into digital data at the receiving end. It modulates digital data into analog signals to send, and demodulates received analog signals into digital data for the receiving computer.
Gateway
A Gateway is a software-based device that serves as a "gate" between two networks, often found in routers with addresses like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. A gateway enables traffic flow between networks, often acting as a firewall or router, while protecting nodes within the network.
Hub
A Hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple devices in a LAN (Local Area Network). It acts as a point of connection, allowing data to be sent to all connected devices simultaneously, though it cannot differentiate data destinations.
Switch
A Switch is a network controller that enables devices to communicate more efficiently within a network. Switches connect computers, printers, and servers in buildings or campuses, directing data to its intended destination rather than broadcasting it to all devices.
Router
A Router directs data packets between networks, finding the best path to reach the intended device on another LAN. Routers connect different networks, manage traffic, and send data across the best available paths.
Bridge
A Bridge is typically used in LANs to interconnect networks using the same protocol. It forwards data only when it knows the destination node's MAC address. While useful, bridges can potentially flood the network if they are unable to locate the destination node.
Brouter
A Brouter (Bridging Router) combines features of both bridges and routers. Operating at the data link layer, it can filter LAN traffic and route data between different networks. It acts as a router by directing packets and as a bridge by filtering LAN traffic.
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