Network Devices

Below are the primary functions of key network devices:

Switch:

A switch is a hardware device that allows individual devices in a Local Area Network (LAN) to talk to each other. Located at the data link layer of the OSI model, it has the function to use MAC addresses to forward frames. Switches work to optimize the communication flow in a network by clearing up traffic clutter to allow for clear connection between the devices in the network. Moreover, they can be employed in formation of the virtual LANs (VLANs) which plays significant role in the management of the network traffic.

Router:

Routers are sometimes identified as interconnection devices because they connect several networks. Existing at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model, they use IP addresses to forward data packets between networks. They use routing tables, to find out the best way through which information can be sent from one network to the other. They are most important in WANs because they allow several LANs to be incorporated into a single WAN.

Modem:

A modem is a hardware device that deals with encoding/decoding of signals for transmitting data through telephone or cable networks. Another type of modem is one that transforms audio and video signals of a computer into a form required for transmission and transforms signals received in transmission back to the original computer form. Network modems play an important role in getting access to the internet and this may be done through, what is commonly known as the dial-up/ISDN, DSL or cable modem.

Network Interface Card (NIC)/Network Adapter:

A NIC also referred to as network adaptor is a connection hardware that allows a computer to connect to the network. Located usually on the motherboard, it makes certain that both the computer and the network forward and receive data packet correctly. NICs can be of wired type or wireless type and are central to making connection between a computer and the network.