Short Description of Networking Devices

Desktop Computer

A common computer used in a home or offices.

Laptop

A portable computer.

IP Phone

A digital telephone that carries voice at data over networks instead of analog phone lines.

LAN Media

Local-area network media, usually copper cable.

Wireless Media

Depicts local-area network wireless access.

Switch

The most common devices for interconnecting local-area networks

Router

A device that helps direct message between networks

Firewall

A device that provides security network.

Server

A common computer dedicated to provide application services to end users on a network. Server stores information to share with its clients.

Cloud

A group of networking devices out of local management control, often the Internet itself.

The Roles of End Devices on the Network

                  End device is an equipment that may be either the source of destination on the network. Another generic term for an end device that sends or receives messages is a host. Examples of hosts and end devices are as follows:

•               Computers, including workstation, laptops, and servers connected to a network
•               Network Printers
•               Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Phones
•              Cameras on a network, including webcams and security cameras
•             Handled devices such as PDAs
•             Remote monitoring stations for weather observation

          

The Roles of Intermediary Devices on the Network

           Intermediary devices connect individual hosts to the network and can connect multiple individual networks to form internetwork.

Network access devices

          Connect end users to the networks. Examples are switches and wireless access points.

Internetwork Devices

          Connect one network to one or more other networks. For example, Routers.

Modems

          Connect users to servers and networks through telephone or cable.

Security Devices

           Secure the networks with devices such as firewall that analyzes traffic exiting and entering networks.

Network Media

          The media provides the channel over which the message travels from source to destination. The three main types of media on the network are

•            Copper, used Electrical pulses
•            Fiber Optic Cable, used Light pulses
•           Wireless, used Electromagnetic waves