Top Hardware Devices in Computer Networks- Router, Hub, Switches

Network hardware devices are physical components of networking that facilitate communication and data transfer within a network. Different hardware networking devices like routers, switches, hubs, modems ensure efficient connectivity.

If you are aspiring to become a network engineer, you should be familiar with these devices of computer networks as they will deepen your understanding of networking and networking devices.

In this article, we have provided a list of networking hardware devices and explained the top 8 most common hardware network devices along with their functions, uses, and benefits. This article will help you understand different types of network hardware and their purpose.

For aspiring network engineers or CCNA enthusiasts, we have also added the configuration techniques of some devices for Cisco technologies. Derived from our IT infrastructure courses, this article provides expert knowledge in simple language.

What are Networking Devices?

Computer Network devices are the hardware components of networking that connects different computers or other devices to a network, enabling communication between them. They enable data transmission and resource sharing, ensuring efficient connectivity and management of network traffic.

Network hardware devices manage network traffic and enhance the connectivity, performance, and security of a computer network. They enable seamless collaboration among internet-compatible devices, such as computers, printers, and servers.

Functions of a Hardware Networking Device

The basic functions of hardware network devices include:

● Computer networks devices transmit and receive data between connected devices to facilitate communication.

● They ensure efficient connectivity by linking different hardware components within a network.

● They enhance security by controlling access and preventing unauthorized connections.

● Network devices allow for network segmentation, helping to isolate traffic and improve overall security.

● These devices manage data flow, optimizing network speed and performance.

Types of Networking Hardware Devices

There are different hardware network devices in an IT infrastructure each serving its role. Here is a list of some computer networking devices that are most important components of networking:

1. Router: Connects multiple networks, directing data packets between them and managing traffic.

2. Switch: Connects devices within a local network, forwarding data only to the intended recipient to improve efficiency.

3. Hub: A basic device that connects multiple Ethernet devices, broadcasting data to all connected devices, which can lead to network congestion.

4. Bridge: Connects and filters traffic between two or more network segments, reducing collision domains and improving performance.

5. Access Point: Provides wireless connectivity to a wired network, allowing devices to connect without cables and expanding network coverage.

6. Firewall: Monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, protecting the network from unauthorized access.

7. Modem: Modulates and demodulates signals for data transmission over telephone lines or cable systems, connecting a local network to the internet.

8. Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): A security device that monitors network traffic for malicious activity and takes action to prevent intrusions.

9. Wireless Access Point (WAP or AP): A hardware device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi.

10. Wireless LAN Controller (WLC): A centralized device that manages multiple wireless access points in a network, ensuring efficient operation and security.

11. Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA): An architecture framework that provides a comprehensive approach to managing and automating networks using Cisco technologies.

12. Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC): A hardware component that manages interrupts in a computer system, improving performance and efficiency in multi-core processors.

13. Cisco Nexus Switches: High-performance data center switches designed to support virtualization and cloud computing environments with advanced features.

14. Cisco IP Phones: VoIP phones that use the Internet Protocol to transmit voice communications over a network, integrating with Cisco's Unified Communications solutions.

15. Cisco Storage Devices (UCS): Unified Computing System storage solutions that provide scalable, high-performance storage for data centers, integrated with Cisco networking technologies.

If you learn more about network hardware devices and their working in real, enroll in our instructor led live CCNA training. Feel free to contact our learning advisor for any further details.

Contact learner advisor

Different Hardware Devices for Networking

Let's understand different types of network hardware devices in computer networks by looking at their working, types, and functions.

1. Router

Routers are the core component of the networking devices that you see in the organization's data centers branch offices or small home office network. The router in the computer network operates on the network layer which is Layer 3 of the OSI model.

The primary role of a router is to connect two or more different networks which facilitates the exchange of data packets between the networks. The network router can make decisions based on the destination IP addresses present in the received packets.

It determines the most appropriate outgoing interface based on the existing routing table for forwarding those packets to the next router in the network. These routing tables are formed with the help of static routes or routing protocols like OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, etc.

Types of Router

There are two types of routers in computer networking:

1. Static routers: They utilize manually configured routing tables to direct data packets through a network. These routes do not change automatically, meaning that any adjustments to the network require manual reconfiguration by a network administrator.

2. Dynamic routers: They use algorithms and protocols to automatically discover and maintain routing paths. They exchange information with other routers to learn about the network topology and adjust routes based on real-time conditions

Router Functioning

We will understand the functionality of the router based on the below scenario. Understanding IP addressing is essential before proceeding as these are the critical elements of network building blocks.

In a corporate or small home office network, a router typically connects to an internal network known as the local area network (LAN) and to the Internet or WAN. When a device on the LAN sends a data packet, the router receives it and checks the destination IP address.

Using its routing table, which is often built from a default route, the router determines the best interface to forward the packet to reach the internet. When return packets arrive, the router forwards them back to the original device that sent the request. This process ensures efficient data communication within and outside the network.

Here is the Cisco network router configuration:

In this example, the router in the computer network has two interfaces. The router network interface GigabitEthernet0/0 is connected to the LAN with the IP address 192.168.1.1, and the network interface GigabitEthernet0/1 is connected to another network called Internet with the IP address 10.0.0.1. 

The "ip route" command sets the default gateway for the network router, specifying that any traffic with unknown destinations should be forwarded to the IP address 10.0.0.254. Sometimes this refers to a gateway in a computer network or just a gateway network.

2. Switches

Switches in computer networks are devices that connect multiple devices, such as computers and printers, within a local area network (LAN). They manage data traffic efficiently by directing data only to the devices that need it, enhancing overall network performance.

Switches primarily operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model, making forwarding decisions based on MAC addresses. They maintain MAC address tables to identify which devices are connected to which ports, allowing them to efficiently forward Ethernet frames only to the intended recipients. This process enhances network performance by reducing collisions and creating separate collision domains.

Layer 2 switches are essential for local network segmentation but cannot manage traffic between different VLANs. In contrast, Layer 3 switches have routing capabilities, allowing them to forward packets based on both MAC and IP addresses, enabling communication between different VLANs and subnets. 

Types of Switches

Different types of switches in computer networks are:

1. Unmanaged Switch: A basic plug-and-play device that provides simple connectivity without configuration, ideal for small networks or home use.

2. Managed Switch: A configurable switch that allows network administrators to monitor and manage traffic, suitable for larger and more complex networks.

3. Smart Switch: A mid-level switch that offers some management features through a web interface, providing a balance between unmanaged and fully managed switches.

4. Layer 2 Switch: Operates at the data link layer, forwarding data based on MAC addresses to efficiently connect devices within a local area network (LAN).

5. Layer 3 Switch: Combines the functionalities of Layer 2 switches with routing capabilities, allowing for traffic management between different VLANs and subnets.

6. PoE Switch (Power over Ethernet): Supplies both data and electrical power to connected devices through Ethernet cables, simplifying installation for devices like IP cameras and phones.

7. Gigabit Switch: Supports high-speed data transfer rates of 1 Gbps or more, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications.

8. Rack-Mounted Switch: Designed to fit into standard server racks, optimizing space in data centers or server rooms.

9. Desktop Switch: Smaller switches intended for home or small office use, typically placed on desks or tables.

10. Modular Switch: Allows flexibility by accommodating multiple interface cards, enabling customization based on specific networking needs.

Here are some of the Cisco switch models. 

Switch Functioning

In an office network, a Layer 2 switch connects multiple computers and devices within a local area network (LAN). When a device sends data to another device on the same LAN, the switch checks the MAC addresses in the data packets and forwards them to the correct port.

Devices within the same VLAN can communicate directly, while those in different VLANs need their respective gateway IP addresses configured on a Layer 3 switch or router to communicate. This setup allows for efficient data transfer and network management.

Here is the configuration of a Layer 2 switch.

In this example, the switch has two ports configured as access ports. Port FastEthernet0/1 is assigned to VLAN 10 (Sales), and port FastEthernet0/2 is assigned to VLAN 20 (Marketing). The "vlan" command is used to create the VLANs and assign names to them.

Layer 3 switches in computer networks, also known as multilayer switches, combine the features of Layer 2 switches with routing capabilities found in routers. They can perform routing functions at wire speed and facilitate inter-VLAN communication by routing traffic between different VLANs.

A this point you may be wondering if we already have routers that work at layer 3 then what these layer 3 switches do and what are the differences between router and switch.

Sometimes in a network, it is required to have multiple VLANs for various reasons. In that case, a Layer 3 switch can be configured as a default gateway for these VLANs. These VLANs can then route traffic between each other on the switch. It examines the IP addresses in packets and forwards them based on the routing table entries.

Here is the configuration of a Layer 3 switch.

In this example, the switch has a trunk port (GigabitEthernet0/1) to carry VLAN traffic. Two VLAN interfaces (Vlan10 and Vlan20) are configured with IP addresses. The "ip routing" command enables routing functionality on the Layer 3 switch. These IP addresses are the gateways on the devices in their respective VLANs,

The above-mentioned switches are Cisco catalyst switches and mostly you can use them as access switches in live production environments where users are directly connected. You can learn about these switches with some basic training and hands-on exercises.

There are several other types of switches used and offered by Cisco from their data center product portfolio. 

There are heavy-duty data center cisco nexus switches, you can use these switches where they can handle a high volume of network traffic and scalability is not a challenge. These nexus switches also come up with fully functional automation through software software-defined networks called cisco aci switches used in plug-and-play environments.

Once you are comfortable with Cisco access switches you can go ahead and start learning Cisco Nexus and ACI switches either through self-paced videos or via instructor-led live training. Learning these skills will keep you on top and will give you much more opportunities shortly. 

3. Firewalls

Firewalls are crucial network security devices that monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security rules. They can be hardware, software, or cloud-based, functioning as barriers between trusted internal networks and untrusted external ones, such as the Internet.

Firewalls filter traffic to allow safe data while blocking potentially harmful connections, thus protecting networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Types of Firewalls

Different types of firewalls in networking are:

1. Packet Filtering Firewalls: These examine packets and allow or block them based on source and destination IP addresses and protocols.

2. Stateful Inspection Firewalls: These track active connections and make filtering decisions based on the state of the connection.

3. Proxy Firewalls: Acting as intermediaries, they prevent direct connections between networks and can provide additional security features.

4. Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW): These combine traditional firewall capabilities with advanced features like intrusion prevention and application awareness to combat modern threats.

5. Cloud Firewalls: Deployed in cloud environments, these firewalls secure applications and data across virtual networks.

Cisco Firepower is a cutting-edge security solution for protecting networks from advanced threats and attacks. It is a relatively new device so there is not much training available on the internet for free. However, organizations are deploying at large scale. Live training on cisco firepower will equip professional candidates to manage, operate, and implement such security solutions.

NGFWs combine traditional firewall features (such as stateful packet inspection) with advanced capabilities such as application-layer filtering, user identity awareness, and threat intelligence.

They inspect network traffic at multiple layers, including application, transport, and network layers, to enforce security policies and prevent unauthorized access. Below are a couple of scenarios where IPS or NGFW is used.

Scenario 1: In an enterprise network, an NGFW is deployed at the network perimeter to inspect incoming and outgoing traffic. It can block malicious websites, detect and prevent intrusions, and provide granular control over network applications and user access.

IPS systems monitor network traffic for suspicious patterns or known attack signatures. They analyze packets in real-time to identify and block malicious activities.

Scenario 2: In a data center environment, an IPS is deployed to monitor traffic between servers. It can detect and prevent attacks like DDoS, SQL injection, and buffer overflow by inspecting the content of network packets.

Here's a simplified example of configuring access control policies on a Cisco NGFW (ASA):

In this example, an access control list (ACL) is created to permit web traffic (TCP ports 80 and 443). Another ACL denies all IP traffic.

A class map is defined to match the web traffic ACL, and a policy map is created to inspect HTTP and HTTPS traffic. The policy is then applied to the outside interface, and the access-group command applies the blocking ACL to the outside interface.

4. Access Points

Wireless Access points (WAPs) are the wireless network hardware devices that are used to send Wi-Fi signals for providing wireless connectivity to the wireless devices in a specified area.  They act as a bridge between wireless devices and the wired network infrastructure.

They play a crucial role in creating and expanding wireless local area networks (WLANs), allowing devices like laptops and smartphones to connect to the internet and network resources. APs are strategically placed in areas such as offices to ensure reliable Wi-Fi coverage.

The picture below is the Cisco Wireless Aironet 3600 series access points. 

The access point handles the transmission of data packets between wireless devices and the other network devices.

Types of WAP

Different types of WAP in networking are:

1. Indoor Access Points: Designed for use within buildings, these provide stable wireless coverage in environments like offices, schools, and homes.

2. Outdoor Access Points: Built to withstand harsh weather conditions, these are used in open areas such as parks, stadiums, and outdoor shopping centers.

3. Standalone Access Points: These operate independently and provide basic wireless connectivity without needing a central controller, suitable for smaller networks.

4. Controller-Based Access Points: Also known as lightweight access points, they rely on a central Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) for management and configuration, ideal for large enterprise networks.

5. Multifunction Access Points: These combine multiple networking functions, such as routing and switching, into a single device, often used in home networks.

6. Ceiling-Mounted Access Points: Installed on ceilings to provide broad coverage in large spaces like conference rooms and lobbies.

7. Wall-Mounted Access Points: These are installed on walls and are often used in smaller areas where aesthetics and space are considerations.

8. PoE Access Points (Power over Ethernet): These receive power and data through the same Ethernet cable, simplifying installation by reducing the need for additional power sources.

9. Dual-Band Access Points: Support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands simultaneously, allowing for better performance and reduced interference.

10. Mesh Access Points: Part of a mesh network system that provides seamless coverage by allowing multiple access points to communicate with each other, eliminating dead zones in large areas.

Here's a simplified example of configuring a Cisco Aironet access point:

In this example, the WiFi network access point has a wireless interface (Dot11Radio0) configured with the SSID "ExampleNetwork." The network interface GigabitEthernet0 is configured as a trunk port to carry multiple VLANs. The BVI1 interface is configured with an IP address for management purposes.

5. Controllers (Cisco DNA Center and WLC)

Controllers are network management devices that provide centralized management and control of various network components in computer networks, such as access points and switches.

Cisco DNA Center is a software-based network hardware type controller that enables centralized management, automation, and assurance for enterprise networks. It provides a single dashboard for managing types of network devices, implementing policies, and monitoring network health.

The picture below is the dashboard of DNAC.

The computer network hardware devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, access points, etc. are being managed and monitored by DNA Center. It is preferably used in a large enterprise environment where it is difficult to manage them manually.

With the help of DNA, network engineers can perform various functions such as upgrading IOS on devices from a centralized location, and can also troubleshoot network issues without logging into each device.

As Cisco DNA Center is a software-based controller, there is no specific configuration example. However, typical tasks performed through the Cisco DNA Center include:

● Adding computer networks devices (routers, switches, access points) to the inventory.

● Creating network profiles for devices and applying standardized configurations.

● Defining policies for network access, security, and quality of service.

● Monitoring network health, performance, and security.

● Automating network operations and deploying software updates.

The Cisco Wireless LAN Controller is a specialized controller designed for managing wireless networks. You can also learn further about it from a video course.

It centralizes the configuration, security, and management of access points. The picture below is the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller 5500 series. 

In a wireless network deployment, it's easy to configure and setup Cisco WLC which is used to manage multiple access points. It handles tasks such as AP discovery, client authentication, and radio resource management to ensure efficient and secure wireless connectivity. The WLC training videos explain the full process of discovery and authentication with hands-on exercises starting with the initial setup.

6. Endpoints

Endpoints are also types of network hardware devices connected to the user ports of the switch in a computer network. These devices are the ones who send and receive the data for the end users such devices include laptops, desktops, cameras, phones, etc. 

In a typical office network, endpoints can include employee workstations, laptops, and mobile devices. Applications run on these devices to perform tasks like sending emails, sharing files, browsing the internet, etc. 

7. Network Servers

Servers are high-end computer network hardware devices that provide resources such as CPU, RAM, Hard disk for storage, etc. for executing various services on a network. They are designed to handle specific tasks and deliver resources efficiently.

There are 2 most popular i.e. open source Linux servers and proprietary Windows servers. In Linux, there are several flavors like Ubuntu, Redhat, Kali, use, etc. with their release versions and similarly, in Windows, we have Windows 2010, 2012, 2016, etc. 

Scenario: In an enterprise network hardware types like servers play a crucial role in providing various services. These services include storage, computing, web hosting, email service, database, etc. 

8. Power over Ethernet (PoE)

PoE is a technology that provides power and data to the end network components in computer networks over the same ethernet cable.

With PoE, power-sourcing equipment (such as PoE switches) can deliver electrical power to PoE-enabled devices without the need for separate power cables.

The picture below is the Cisco Catalyst c2960x 48 port PoE switch, a normal twisted pair ethernet cable is required to connect from switch ports to the end devices such as access point (access point does not require any other external power) to withdraw power.

In a network deployment, PoE is commonly used to power up the components of computer networks such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras etc.

This eliminates the need for additional power outlets near these devices and simplifies cabling.

Here's an example configuration for a Cisco PoE switch:

In this example, GigabitEthernet0/1 is configured to automatically detect and provide power to a connected PoE device. GigabitEthernet0/2 is configured to deliver a static amount of power (15,000 milliwatts) to the connected device.

Benefits of Hardware Network Devices

Network hardware devices, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and access points, provide numerous advantages that enhance connectivity, security, and performance in computer networks:

● Improved Connectivity: Devices like routers and switches enable seamless communication between multiple devices and networks, ensuring efficient data transfer.

● Enhanced Security: Firewalls protect networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats by monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing traffic.

● Increased Scalability: Network devices allow businesses to easily expand their network infrastructure to accommodate growth without significant reconfiguration.

● Flexible Networking: Wireless access points (APs) offer greater flexibility in device placement, eliminating the need for physical cables and allowing easy access from various locations.

● Simplified Management: Managed switches and routers provide centralized control over network settings, making it easier to monitor performance and troubleshoot issues.

● Broader Coverage: Wireless access points extend the range of a network, providing connectivity in larger areas and eliminating dead zones.

● Support for IoT Devices: Modern network hardware can accommodate the growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, ensuring reliable connectivity and data management.

Network Hardware Devices- Summing Up!

Network devices are essential components that facilitate communication and data transfer within a network. Key devices include routers, which direct traffic; switches, which connect devices within a network; and access points, which enable wireless connectivity.

Proper configuration of these networking devices ensures efficient network performance, security, and reliability, making them crucial for both small and large-scale networks. Understanding their functions and configurations is vital for effective network management and optimization.