Network Devices

Commonly speaking, there are 3 types of network devices:

Endpoint

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Endpoints are the devices the network is trying to connect.

Typical endpoints include:

  • Computers

  • Laptops

  • Servers

  • Smartphones

  • Printers

Switch

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Switch is a device used as a bridge between endpoints within the same network.

Switches can forward data from one device to another by their MAC Address (OSI Layer 2 - Data Link).

Note

Some switches have the capability to forward data by IP.

They are called Multilayer Switches.

Router

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Router is a device used as a bridge between different networks.

Routers can forward data from one network to another by their IP Address (OSI Layer 3 - Network).

Note

Some consumer-grade routers have a built-in switch.

The first port (sometimes called WAN port) is usually used for the external network (internet), but the rest can be used for your internal network just as a switch.