Computer networking devices are physical devices that enable communication and interaction between hardware components on a computer network, such as routers, switches, and servers. The first networking device is the hub; these devices connect a group of computer networking devices. An additional function of a hub is that it serves as a repeater, amplifying signals that degrade after traveling long distances over connecting cables. Among network connecting devices, a hub is the simplest to use. The next device is the switch. These generally play a more intelligent than hubs. A switch is a multiport device that increases the efficiency of a network. When a switch is used, it only keeps a limited amount of routing information about the nodes in the internal network, and it allows connections to other systems such as hubs and routers.
The third computer networking device is the router. It is a networking device that assists in the transmission of packets to their destinations by creating a path through a series of interconnected computer networking devices that use a variety of network topologies. Routers are intelligent devices that collect and store data about the networks to which they are connected. Bridges are devices that are used to connect two or more hosts or network segments with one another. The most fundamental function of bridges in network architecture is storing and forwarding frames between the various segments that the bridge links together.
Gateways are used to translate between different networking technologies, such as the Open System Interconnection (OSI) and the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocols. To accomplish this, gateways link two or more autonomous networks together. Modems are devices that are used to transmit digital signals over analog phone lines. So the modem converts digital signals into analog signals with varying frequencies, which are then transmitted to a modem at the receiving location. The receiving modem performs the inverse transformation and outputs a digital signal to a device connected to the modem, which is typically a computer or other electronic device. The next device is the repeater; when a signal is received, a repeater amplifies the signal received. It is accessed via a network connection. Having a thorough understanding of the various types of network devices available can assist you in designing and constructing a network that is both secure and effective for your organization.