Networking Basics - Network Devices and Their Types Explained for Beginners (Easy Guide)

Networking Basics – Part 3: Network devices explained deeply for beginners

Network devices are the most important components in today's computer networking. In this time business, educational sector, organizations, and even home networks are all dependent on different networking devices.

In the previous blog, we deeply discuss about network topologies and their types.  How they work and cover different coverage areas. Before understanding network devices, you must have a good Knowledge of network topologies.

In this blog, we will deeply understand the concept of network devices and different types, such as hubs, switches, routers, and many more. We will understand each device in detail, how they work, and real-life scenarios.

If you are new, you must read our previous guide on the Network and its types.

What are network devices?

Network devices are hardware components. In computer networking, these hardware components (network devices) are used to connect multiple devices together and enable communication between them. Nowadays, from home networks to large organizations, everything depends on networking devices.

Network devices are basically used to manage the data transmission, traffic control, and ensure smooth communication. It is also described as a middleman or a communication manager. All the online activities like sending a message, watching a video, browsing, and downloading, network devices work behind these activities.

Network devices perform multiple tasks, such as:

• Firstly, receive data from the sender
• Process and analyse the data
• Selecting the best path for transmission
• And finally forwarding the data to the correct receiver

Why network devices are important

Network devices perform important tasks in computer networking. They are used in multiple tasks, such as:

• They enable smooth communication
• Improve the speed and performance of the network
• Manages the network traffic
• Provide security to the network.
• Reduce changes of loss and errors

For Example:

User sends a message to your friend through your mobile phone, the message doesn’t reach directly, even if it passes through multiple devices like routers, switches, and servers before reaching the receiver.

So basically these network devices, router, switch, hub, and other ensures that the message is delivered quickly, securely, and safely.

These devices work closely with operating systems to manage network communication. If you want to understand the basics of operating systems, you must read our guide on Windows, Linux, MAC OS.

Types of network devices

There are different types of network devices. Each device is used to perform a specific task.

Let’s discuss the important types of network devices in detail:

Router

A router is an important or frequently used network device in computer networking. It is used to connect different networks together and ensure the transformation of data from one device to another.

The router plays a central role because it acts as a bridge between the local area network (LAN) and the wide area network (WAN).

How a router works:

A router uses IP addresses (Internet Protocol) to identify different devices and networks. Every device has its unique IP address, and the router uses the device's IP address to identify devices.

The data is sent from a device in the form of packets:

• Firstly, the router receives the data packets
• Then checks the destination IP address
• Then consults its routing table
• Determine the best and shortest path
• Finally, forward the data to the next network or the final destination

All of this process takes only milliseconds, and performs smooth communication over the internet.

Real-life example:

The best example of a router is your home Wi-Fi router. This connects your home devices (mobiles, laptops, tablets) to the internet and manages all the incoming or outgoing data traffic.

Whenever you using internet, your router continusoly working in the background to send and receive data.

Hub

A hub is the most basic or simple network device. It is used to connect multiple devices like computers, printers, and other devices within a Local Area Network (LAN). It is a central connection point, because all devices are connected using a cable.

How Hub works:

A hub works in a very simple & straight manner. A device sends data:

• Firstly hub receives the data
• Then broadcast the data to all connected devices
• Then every device receives data, but only the destination address receives data, while others ignore it.

This method is also known as broadcast communication.

For example:

Suppose 4 computers are connected to a hub and computer A sends data to computer B, then the hub sends data to all 4 computers, but only Computer B accepts the data other will ignore it.

Switch

A switch is an advanced or widely used network device. It is used in modern computer networks, or in a Local Area Network (LAN). It is an improved version of the hub because it performs better and is more efficient.

How Switch works:

A switch works with the help of the MAC address (media access control). A MAC address is a unique address which assign to every device on a network. Every device on the network has its unique MAC address.

A device sends data:

• Firstly, switch receive a data
• Then reads the destination MAC address
• Then switch checks its MAC address table, the list of connected devices
• When it finds the correct destination then forwards data only to that specific port.

For example:

If computer A sends data to computer B, the switch sends data to only Computer B, not the other computers connected to the switch, which makes communication faster and more secure. This process is also known as intelligent data forwarding.

Modem

A modem is an important device that is used to connect your network to the ISP (Internet service provider). Direct internet access is not possible without a modem.

How a modem works:

A Modem is like a translator that changes language between wireless devices or the internet.

Wireless device uses digital signals, and internet cable lines uses analogy signals. Which means both have different languages.

For example:

• Firstly user opens a website like Google or any other
• The user device send request in digital form
• Then the modem converts it in analogy signal
• Then the converted analog signal goes to the internet service provider (ISP)
• ISP sends back the data
• Then convert the analog signal back into digital signals
• Finally, the webpage appears on the screen.

Access point

An Access point is a network device that connects wireless devices to a wired network using Wi-Fi technology. It is a bridge between wireless devices and a wired network (LAN), which makes communication possible without physical cables.

How Access Point works:

The access point connects to the router through an Ethernet cable.

• The router sends the data to the access point
• Access point receives the data
• Then convert data into wireless signals
• Wireless device detects Wi-Fi
• Devices connect and use the internet

For Example:

You use Wi-Fi at home or in offices that are provided through an access point, sometimes an access point already built into a router.

Bridge

A bridge is a network device that is used to connect two networks and make them one single network. It usually connects two LANs together. It filters and controls the data traffic between connected networks.

A bridge does not send data to all devices; instead, it filters and analyzes data and forwards data only if necessary, which reduces unnecessary traffic.

How Bridge works:

A bridge works with the help of the MAC address.

• Firstly, the bridge receives data from one network
• Then checks the destination Mac address
• Then decides whether data should be forwarded or not
• If the destination address is in another network, then it forwards the data
• But if the device is in the same network, it blocks the data

Repeater

A repeater is a network device that is used to boost and regenerate signals in a network. When data signals travel over long distances, they become weak and distorted; therefore, repeater boosts or regenerates those signals, or solves all the problems by strengthening the signals.

We can say that a repeater is a signal booster that analyzes weak signals and makes them stronger.

How a repeater works:

A repeater does not check the data; it works on signals.

• Firstly repeater receives a weak signal
• Then make the signal clean, remove noises
• Then make it strong or regenerate it
• And then transmit the data.

Gateway

A gateway is an advanced or powerful network device that connects different networks that use different protocols. It acts as a bridge between two completely different networks and makes them communicate with each other.

A gateway is designed to handle incompatible networks.

How Gateway works:

A gateway is used to change data format between two different networks.

• Firstly, data is sent from one network in its protocol
• The gateway receives the data
• It interprets and converts data into different protocols
• Then the gateway forwards the converted data to the other network
• Finally, the receiving network receives and processes the data

Some interview questions to remember

Define network devices?

Network devices are hardware components. In computer networking, these hardware components (network devices) are used to connect multiple devices together and enable communication between them.

Tell us the importance of network devices?

Network devices perform important tasks in computer networking. They are used in multiple tasks, such as:

• They enable smooth communication
• Improve the speed and performance of the network
• Manages the network traffic
• Provide security to the network.
• Reduce changes of loss and errors

Define hub?

A hub is used to connect multiple devices, like computers, printers, and other devices, within a Local Area Network (LAN).

Tell us something about the switch?

A switch is an advanced or widely used network device.it is used in modern computer networks, or in a Local Area Network (LAN). It is an improved version of the hub because it performs better and more efficiently.

Elaborate router?

A router is an important or frequently used network device in computer networking. It is used to connect different networks together and ensure the transformation off data from one device to another.

Define a modem, and what it uses?

A modem is an important device that is used to connect your network to the ISP (Internet service provider). Direct internet access is not possible without a modem. Wireless device uses digital signals, and internet cable lines uses analogy signals. Which means both have different languages.

Define an access point?

An Access point is a network device that connects wireless devices to a wired network using Wi-Fi technology. It is a bridge between wireless devices and a wired network (LAN).

Define a bridge.

A bridge is a network device that is used to connect two networks and make them one single network.

Define repeater?

A repeater is a network device that is used to boost and regenerate signals in a network. We can say that a repeater is a signal booster that analyzes weak signals and makes them stronger.

Define gateway?

A gateway is an advanced or powerful network device that connects different networks that use different protocols. It acts as a bridge between two completely different networks and makes them communicate with each other.

Why is understanding of network devices important for users?

Understanding the concept of network devices is important because it has practical implications in designing and managing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, network devices are the backbone of a computer network. Without network devices, communication is getting too difficult for users. From a small office to large enterprises, network devices play an important role. Mastering network devices is a stepping stone toward more advanced networking, as it enables users to design networks, troubleshoot problems, and implement solutions.

Understanding the concept of network devices is important because it has practical implications in designing and managing. Remember, the efficacy of a network totally depends on the right network devices.

For more practical networking and command- line learning, you can explore our guides on Linux Terminal Commands and Windows CMD & PowerShell.

 

Networking basics series

• Part 1: What is a Network and the Types of Networks
• Part 2: Network topologies explained for beginners
• Part 3: Network devices Explained Deeply for beginners

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