Network Devices :

An Introduction
Yashika Yadav, Class XII-F
Introductionto Computer
Networks
Definition

Interconnection of computers to share data and resources.

Connected Devices

Links computers, printers, servers, and mobile devices.

Resource Sharing

Enables sharing of files, printers, and Internet ​connections​.

Communication

Facilitates email, video conferencing, and remote ​collaboration​.

work Devices?
hardware components that enable and manage communication in a network.

etwork devices.

or wireless ​media​.

functions​

gnals.
What are Network Devices?
Network devices are essential hardware components that enable and manage communication in a network.

Connect & Manage

Hardware to link and manage network devices.

Data Transmission

Enables data flow across wired or wireless ​media​.

Configure Functions

Helps set up different network ​functions​

Facilitate Communication

Forwards, routes, or converts signals.

Passive vs. Active Devices
Passive vs. Active Devices

Passive Devices
Do not require external power; they merely pass signals through.
• Examples include cables, connectors, and passive hubs.
• They perform no signal amplification or processing.
• Simply carry signals without alteration or intelligence.
Passive vs. Active Devices

Active Devices
Require electrical power to operate; they process or regenerate signals.
• Examples include repeaters, active hubs, switches, routers, and gateways.
• They can filter, amplify, or route data for improved network efficiency.
• Capable of directing or boosting signals across the network.
Hub
Hub
A hub acts as a central connection point in a
LAN, but with limitations.

• Definition: Multiport repeater connecting

LAN devices.
• Layer: Operates at OSI Physical Layer (Layer 1).
• Function: Broadcasts all incoming data to all
ports; no ​filtering​.
• Collision Domain: All devices share one
domain, leading to ​frequent​collisions.
• Pros & Cons: Simple and inexpensive, but
inefficient and insecure.
Switch
Switch
Switches offer a significant upgrade from hubs
by providing intelligent data forwarding.

• Definition: Intelligent Layer-2 device

connecting network ​devices​.
• Forwarding: Filters and forwards frames to
destination port using MAC addresses.
• Collision Domains: Separate collision
domain per port, greatly reducing ​collisions​.
• Full-Duplex: Supports simultaneous send
and receive, checks for errors.
• Efficiency: More efficient than hubs; data
sent only where needed.
Router
Routers are crucial for connecting different
networks and directing data traffic across them.

• Definition: Layer-3 device directing packets

between different networks.
• Function: Routes data using IP addresses;
connects LANs to WANs/Internet.
• Broadcast Domains: Each interface is a
separate network.
• Features: Often includes NAT and firewall functions.
• Use Case: Connects local network to the
Internet, finds best route for outgoing
packets..
Gateway
Gateways act as critical bridges between dissimilar networks,
translating protocols for seamless communication.

Definition

Connects networks with different protocols or architectures.

Function

Acts as a "gate" between internal and external networks (e.g., Intern

Protocol Translation

Translates data formats or protocols (e.g., email systems).

Implementation

Often integrated into routers; home Wi-Fi routers serve as gateways

Modem
A modem is fundamental for enabling digital
devices to communicate over analog
transmission lines.
• Definition: MOdulator-DEmodulator.
• Function: Converts digital to analog signals
(modulation) and vice versa (demodulation).
• Usage: Allows digital devices to
communicate over analog media (e.g.,
• telephone, cable lines).
Process: Modulates digital data for sender,
demodulates analog for receiver.
• Purpose: Enables Internet access via analog
networks by bridging digital computers and
analog ​lines​.
Network Device Comparison

Hub Layer 1 Broadcasts data No filtering

Switch Layer 2 Forwards by MAC Per port

Router Layer 3 Routes IP packets Separate network

Gateway Multi-layer Translates protocols Diff. architectures

Modem Physical Digital-analog ​conversion​Internet access

Network Device Visuals

Home Connectivity Business Operations Digital Communication

Modems and routers provide Switches link office PCs, servers, Routers and gateways enable
essential internet access. They and printers. Routers connect seamless emails and video calls.
connect all your home devices. various branch networks. They bridge different network
protocols.

Online Services Entertainment Delivery Shared Resources

Modems and routers power online Network devices enable seamless Switches and routers allow sharing
shopping and learning. They video streaming. Enjoy online files efficiently. They connect
deliver essential digital data. gaming and clear VoIP calls. printers and applications too.
Network Device Visuals
Hub Switch
Hubs broadcast incoming Switches intelligently forward
data to all connected data to specific MAC
devices. They operate at addresses. This boosts
Layer 1. network efficiency.

Router Modem
Routers direct IP packets Modems convert digital
across various networks. signals to analog for
They enable internet access. transmission. They bridge
digital devices.
Evolution of Network Devices
1970s: Early Networks 1
Coaxial cables and repeaters formed initial local networks.
ARPANET introduced simple routers.

2 1980s: LAN Growth

Ethernet hubs and bridges became common. First Layer-2
switches improved LAN efficiency.
1990s: Internet Boom 3
Dial-up modems and basic routers facilitated widespread
internet access for homes.
4 2000s: Wireless Era
Wireless routers, integrated gateways, and managed
switches emerged for diverse uses.
Today: Advanced Connectivity 5
High-speed routers, virtualization, and IoT gateways
support complex, interconnected environments.
Evolution of Network Devices
1970s: Early Networks 1
Coaxial cables and repeaters formed initial local networks.
ARPANET introduced simple routers.

2 1980s: LAN Growth

Ethernet hubs and bridges became common. First Layer-2
switches improved LAN efficiency.
1990s: Internet Boom 3
Dial-up modems and basic routers facilitated widespread
internet access for homes.
4 2000s: Wireless Era
Wireless routers, integrated gateways, and managed
switches emerged for diverse uses.
Today: Advanced Connectivity 5
High-speed routers, virtualization, and IoT gateways
support complex, interconnected environments.
Evolution of Network Devices
1970s: Early Networks 1
Coaxial cables and repeaters formed initial local networks.
ARPANET introduced simple routers.

2 1980s: LAN Growth

Ethernet hubs and bridges became common. First Layer-2
switches improved LAN efficiency.
1990s: Internet Boom 3
Dial-up modems and basic routers facilitated widespread
internet access for homes.
4 2000s: Wireless Era
Wireless routers, integrated gateways, and managed
switches emerged for diverse uses.
Today: Advanced Connectivity 5
High-speed routers, virtualization, and IoT gateways
support complex, interconnected environments.
Evolution of Network Devices
1970s: Early Networks 1
Coaxial cables and repeaters formed initial local networks.
ARPANET introduced simple routers.

2 1980s: LAN Growth

Ethernet hubs and bridges became common. First Layer-2
switches improved LAN efficiency.
1990s: Internet Boom 3
Dial-up modems and basic routers facilitated widespread
internet access for homes.
4 2000s: Wireless Era
Wireless routers, integrated gateways, and managed
switches emerged for diverse uses.
Today: Advanced Connectivity 5
High-speed routers, virtualization, and IoT gateways
support complex, interconnected environments.
Evolution of Network Devices
1970s: Early Networks 1
Coaxial cables and repeaters formed initial local networks.
ARPANET introduced simple routers.

2 1980s: LAN Growth

Ethernet hubs and bridges became common. First Layer-2
switches improved LAN efficiency.
1990s: Internet Boom 3
Dial-up modems and basic routers facilitated widespread
internet access for homes.
4 2000s: Wireless Era
Wireless routers, integrated gateways, and managed
switches emerged for diverse uses.
Today: Advanced Connectivity 5
High-speed routers, virtualization, and IoT gateways
support complex, interconnected environments.
Device Performance and Efficiency

Hub Switch Router

Half-duplex operation shares Full-duplex ports dedicate Performance depends on

bandwidth, leading to high bandwidth, ensuring low collisions hardware speed, with packet
collision rates that reduce network and high data throughput. processing potentially adding
efficiency. network latency.
Modern devices use Quality of Service (QoS). It prioritises critical traffic, enhancing performance.

Active devices (switches, routers) boost efficiency. They intelligently direct data, surpassing passive hubs.
Examples of Network Device Brands
Examples of Network Device Brands

Enterprise Solutions Consumer-Grade Components & ISP Distributed

Devices Modems Gateways
Cisco, Juniper, Huawei,
and HPE lead in high- TP-Link, Netgear, D- Intel and Realtek ISPs often provide
end equipment, Link, and Linksys offer produce crucial branded gateway
providing robust home networking network interface devices, integrating
routers and switches solutions, supplying cards, while Arris and modem and router
for large organizations. routers, switches, and Motorola are common functions from major
modems. modem brands. manufacturers.
Summary of Key Network Devices
Hubs: Broadcast Switches: Direct
Transmit incoming data to all ports. Forward data to specific MAC addresses.

Routers: Route Gateways & Modems

Connect and route data between networks. Bridge dissimilar networks and enable
internet access.

These devices collectively facilitate robust network communication and internet access.
Network Device Advantages and Limitations

Efficient Resource Sharing Cost Reduction & Scalability Enhanced Collaboration

Share printers, files, and internet connections Reduce operational costs and easily scale your Seamlessly connect systems to boost team
across devices seamlessly. network for growth. collaboration and productivity.

Security Risks Network Complexity Single Points of Failure High Costs

Networks are vulnerable to data Configuration and management Device malfunctions can impact Acquiring high-end networking
breaches and malware threats. demand specialized technical the entire network's availability. equipment can be a significant
expertise. investment.
Importance in Modern Communication
Global Connectivity Remote Collaboration
They form the internet's backbone, Support remote work and e-learning for
enabling cloud, social media, and IoT real-time interaction from anywhere.
services.

Efficient Data Flow Continuous Evolution

Ensure data travels efficiently across Devices evolve for higher speed, better
homes, offices, and data centers globally. security, and ubiquitous connectivity.
Conclusion: Empowering Modern Connectivity
Conclusion: Empowering Modern Connectivity

Foundational
Components
Network devices are
essential for seamless
global
communication.
Conclusion: Empowering Modern Connectivity

Specific
Functions
Each device forwards,
routes, or converts
data with a unique
purpose.
Conclusion: Empowering Modern Connectivity

Crucial
Understanding
Grasping their
operation is vital for
effective network
design and
troubleshooting.
Conclusion: Empowering Modern Connectivity

Continuous
Innovation
Innovation drives
progress, ensuring
faster, more secure
networks for the
future.
Bibliography
1. NCERT Computer Science
Class XII Textbook
3. Computer Science with Python
– Preeti Arora, Class 12

2. GeeksforGeeks Articles
4. TutorialsPoint
— Network Devices
geeksforgeeks.org
THANK
YOU