Different Network Connectivity Devices

1. Network Hub

A device that lets multiple computers talk to each other over a network is called a network hub. The computers connect to the network hub via ethernet ports. Hubs typically have four to twelve ethernet ports. Small local area networks (LANs) are ideal applications for these devices.

There are many ports in a hub. One of these ports is used to connect a computer that wants to connect to the network. A data frame is broadcast to every other port when it arrives at a port, regardless of whether it is intended for a specific device.

2. Network Switch

A network switch forwards data packets to and from devices within a network, typically a local area network (LAN*). A switch, in contrast to a router, only sends data to the device it is intended for (either another switch, a router, or the computer of a user), not to multiple device networks.

Data packets are routed between devices by a network switch. Instead of sending packets to networks like a router does, switches send them directly to devices.

Different Kinds of Switch

• Unmanaged Switch - Switches that are not managed are made to simply plug in and run, with no settings to set. These are acceptable for use in minimal networks with minimal requirements.
• Managed Switch - Managed switches are customizable, fully configurable, and offer a variety of performance data. Because of these characteristics, they are better suited for supporting critical activities and larger networks.
• POE Switch - Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a type of technology that connects wireless access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones by transmitting electric power and data over twisted-pair Ethernet cables. Instead of using separate cables for each connected edge device, it makes it possible to connect them all with a single RJ45 patch cable.

3. Wireless Access Point

An access point is a piece of networking hardware that transmits and receives radio signals and connects wirelessly enabled devices to a network. A CPU, radio transceivers, antennas, and software make up access point hardware. A wireless local-area network, or WLAN for short, is made up of all of these parts. Users can connect their devices to a network without using cables or wires with the WLAN.

Different Kinds of Wireless Access Point

• Wireless Repeater - A type of device known as a WiFi repeater (Wireless Repeater) uses a signal from a wireless router or wireless access point and distributes it to create a second network. A WiFi repeater can be utilized in your home or business network to establish a connection between two or more hosts using the IEEE 802.11 protocol when the distance between them is insurmountable.
• Wireless Mesh - Wireless access point (WAP) nodes installed at each network user's location are connected to form a mesh network known as a wireless mesh network (WMN). Because each node only needs to transmit as far as the next node, the networking infrastructure is decentralized and simplified. It is possible that WMNs are not connected to the internet.
• Generations of Wifi - Standards for Wi-Fi have been constantly evolving ever since it was first made available to consumers in 1997, typically leading to faster speeds and expanded coverage. A new name is given to each new capability to set the standards apart. When new features are included in the original IEEE 802.11 standard, they become known as amendments.

4. Router

The purpose of a router, which can be a physical or a virtual internetworking device, is to receive, evaluate, and transmit data packets between computer networks. A data packet's destination IP address is looked at by a router, which then looks at the packet's headers and forwarding tables to figure out the best way to move the packets. A router is merely a device that facilitates communication between the internet and connected home devices. It "routes" traffic between devices and the internet, as its name implies. The internet network in your home relies heavily on a router. It makes it possible to connect your laptop, smartphone, smart TV, and other devices to the Wi-Fi in your home.

5. Network Bridge

A device that divides a network into segments is called a network bridge. As a result, there are fewer collisions on the network because each segment represents a distinct collision domain. Since each collision domain has its own bandwidth, a bridge also speeds up the network. The OSI model's Data link layer (Layer 2) is where a bridge operates. It decides whether to forward or filter incoming traffic after examining it. The destination MAC address is checked for in each Ethernet frame that comes in. The frame is forwarded to the other network segment if the bridge determines that the destination host is on that segment.

6. Network Firewall 

A firewall is a network security solution that stops unwanted traffic from entering your network. Based on a set of pre-programmed rules, firewalls prevent malware from entering. Users within the network may also be prevented from accessing certain websites and applications by these rules.

The straightforward concept that network traffic from less secure environments should be authenticated and inspected prior to moving to a more secure environment is the foundation of firewalls. Unauthorized applications, devices, and users are prevented from entering a protected network environment or segment as a result. Your network's computers and devices are vulnerable to hackers without firewalls, making you an easy target for attacks.