Title: Network Devices
Course: 2016FA-MCO-110-401 > Section: Module 8: IT Infrastructure

Click here for a downloadable version of this document:(EXTERNAL) Network Devices

Network Devices are the components which allow the actual implementation and use of a network. This is inclusive of, but not limited to, NICs, Hubs, Switches, Bridges, Firewalls, Routers, and the WAN network cloud. Historically, network devices followed a very slow development cycle as early technology saw very few networked devices and very low risk of exceeding available bandwidth. As additional devices are added to the world’s network on a daily basis, new and more powerful network devices are being developed and released on a much more aggressive schedule. It is now common to see new versions of home network devices released on a quarterly basis.

This video was created by PACE-IT, Edmonds Community College and is licensed CC-BY 3.0

While the network technology has greatly improved since inception, the core components of the network have remained the same. A basic network consists of a data device connected by a NIC (Network Interface Controller), transfer media, a Switch, a Router, and another data device on the other end connected by yet another NIC.

The NIC is your connection point to the data network. It is your hypothetical door to the network.  It carries your device’s ID (IP Address/MAC Address) which is utilized by other devices to identify and share data.

A Switch is an intelligent network device used to connect multiple physically networked resources. It can connect client devices to a server, clients to a networked resource (printer), and connect clients to a gateway device for access to an external network.

A Router is a device used for complex transmissions of data between multiple networks both geographically local and non-local (Wide Area). This device creates a “map” of the network to allow for the most efficient transmission of data between devices.

The Switch is the device used to connect two data devices for the purpose of sharing data. The switch is the first component in the physical network charged with addressing data correctly between multiple connected devices. It is the heart and veins of the network. Multiple devices located within the same geographical area, connected physically and wirelessly, to a single switch form the basis of a LAN (Local Area Network).

The Router is the device which interconnects multiple networks and forms the basis of ALL complex network communications. The Router is the brain of the network. It “routes” data packets between multiple networks to allow many different types of devices to communicate and exchange data. A router’s main function is to develop the best data paths between two devices. This information is known as a routing table and is stored on and utilized by router for each data request. Without a router, data cannot be shared between multiple LANs to form WANs. An example of the absolute need of routers would be the Core Routers which form the backbone of the Internet.

Objectives met:
- C8
- 8.2