Explained: Network Devices
After understanding the TCP / IP and OSI models, which illustrate the functions of a network system, it’s time to discuss the specific devices and their roles. In order to function as needed, a physical network is comprised of a variety of different network devices. Below, are six of the most commonly encountered:
Modem: A modem is a device needed to send and receive data. The modem allows your computer to send digital information over analog lines such as telephone lines and cable lines. Modem types include cable modems, DSL modems, and satellite modems.
Router: A router is a connection point between two or more networks that forward data packets between said networks. To access the Internet at home, you need a router that connects your home network to the Internet, which is just a network of networks.
Bridge: A bridge is similar to a router in that it connects two or more networks. The difference is that a router parses a data packet to determine where to send the next packet, whereas a bridge simply forwards the data to the next network without analyzing it. This provides fast data transfers, but are completed ‘unintelligent’. Bridges are not widely deployed in today's networks because routers and switches are the preferred devices; however they may still show up in legacy environments.
Switch: A switch is used to connect devices within a particular network, allowing them to communicate efficiently. Switches also have added security measures, work intelligently, and allow the sender to send traffic directly to the receiver without the other devices noticing the communication.
Wireless Access Point (WAP): A wireless access point allows you to connect your wireless device to an existing wired network. WAPs provide easy network access for mobile users by broadcasting radio frequencies that act as connection points for sending and receiving data packets over the wireless signals.
Repeater: A repeater is a device used to amplify, reproduce, and restore signals that are attenuated during transmission, for example, due to distance. Repeaters come in many ‘flavors’ and are made for optical (fiber optic) signals, analog (voltage) signals, and digital (binary) signals.
In an enterprise network, these are stand-alone devices and usually mounted within a rack or network cabinet. However, your home network uses the same devices in a more compact form-factor; likely in a single device provided by your Internet Service Provider. Additionally, in many larger homes, the Wi-Fi signal does not reach the farthest end of the house from the access point. A range extender is a form of repeater that takes a distorted Wi-Fi signal and relays it to the previously dead zone.
I hope this helped provide a little insight into each of the devices, their specific function and role, used in providing access to the Internet. I am happy to chat about these devices further and invite you to reach out to me here. Thank you for your time!