Network Devices in Computer Networks and Its

Types
Anshuman Singh
Senior Execut ive - Cont ent
Updated on Oct 9, 2024 15:56 IST
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 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

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 Router

Bridge

Gateway
Modem
Repeater

Access Point
Conclusion

What are 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. Some common examples of network devices in computer
networks are hub, router, switch, gateway, etc.

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, as shown in
the image below:

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Hub
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 Systems Interconnection (OSI)
model.
You can also explore: OSI Model Explained: 7 Layers and Their
Functions
The top three advantages of the hub network device are:

Easy to install
Inexpensive
It does not af f ect the perf ormance of the network seriously
The top three disadvantages of the hub network device are:

Can not f ilter inf ormation

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 It can not reduce the network traf f ic
Broadcast of the data happens to all the port
Must Read – MAN Full Form in Computer Networking

Switch
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.
The top three advantages of the switch network device are:

Increases the available bandwidth of the network.

It helps in reducing the workload on individual host PCs
Increases the perf ormance of the network
The top three disadvantages of the switch network device are:

They are more costly than network bridges.

Broadcast traf f ic can be problematic.
Network connectivity problems are challenging to track down via the
network switch.

Router
In regards to networking (network devices router), a router is a piece of

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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.

The top three advantages of the router network device are:

Connects various network architectures such as ethernet and token

ring, among others.
Reduces network traf f ic by establishing collision domains as well as
broadcast domains.
Chooses the best path across the internetwork using dynamic routing
algorithms.
The top three disadvantages of the router network device are:

They work with routable network protocols.

More expensive than other network devices.
They are slower because they must analyze data f rom layer 1 to layer
3.

Bridge
In regards to networking (network devices bridge), a bridge is a device that connects
two LANs or two segments of the same LAN. Networking bridges are also known
as network bridges and bridging. There are two types of bridges:
the Transparent bridge and the Source Routing bridge.

Bridges, unlike routers, are protocol independent in that they can forward packets
without analyzing and re-routing messages. Bridging, in a nutshell, connects two

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smaller networks to form a more extensive network.

Bridges’ primary function in network architecture is to store and forward frames

between the various segments that the bridge connects. They transfer frames using
hardware Media Access Control (MAC) addresses. Bridges can forward or prevent
data crossing by analyzing the MAC addresses. A bridge operates at the OSI
model’s Data Link layer (Layer 2).
You can also explore: OSI vs TCP/IP Model: What’s the Difference?
The top three advantages of the bridge network device are:

Reduces collisions
Reduces network traf f ic with minor segmentation
Connects similar network types with dif f erent cabling
The top three disadvantages of the bridge network device are:

Does not f ilter broadcasts

More expensive compared to repeaters
Slower compare to repeaters due to the f iltering process

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.

The top three advantages of the gateway network device are:

Allows to broaden the network

Handles traf f ic issues ef f ectively

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 Permits to link two dif f erent kinds of networks
The top three disadvantages of the gateway network device are:

Never f ilter data

Costly and dif f icult to manage

Protocol conversion is perf ormed, thus resulting in a slower
transmission rate.

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 and
sends 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 operates
at the OSI model’s physical layer (Layer 1) or Data link layer (Layer 2),
depending on the type.
The top three advantages of the modem network device are:

Easily allows connecting LAN to internet

Converts digital signal into an analog signal

When compared to the hub, the speed is slow
The top three disadvantages of the modem network device are:

It only serves as a bridge between the LAN and the internet.

It cannot maintain its network traf f ic.
The modem is unaware of its destination path.

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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 single wireless router cannot reach all areas. A
repeater operates at the OSI model’s physical layer (Layer 1).

The top three advantages of the repeater network device are:

Repeaters are simple to set up and inexpensive.

Repeaters do not necessitate any additional processing.
They can connect signals with various types of cables.
The top three disadvantages of the repeater network device are:

Repeaters are unable to connect disparate networks.

They are unable to distinguish between actual signals and noise.

They will not be able to reduce network traf f ic.

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. 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).

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The top three advantages of the access point network device are:

Installing is easier and f aster.

Allows data transmission even when the user is moving.

It is simple to extend to places where wires and cables are

inaccessible.
The top three disadvantages of the access point network device are:

The range of network devices is limited, which causes issues f or

many users.

Installing this network device is dif f icult and time-consuming.

Because these network devices are susceptible to interf erence, f og
and radiation can cause them to malf unction.

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.

FAQs

What exactly are network devices?

What kinds of network devices are there?

Why do we require networking devices?

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How are network devices linked?

What are the f our kinds of networks?

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