Following are the various networking devices:
* Hubs
* Switches
* Routers
* Bridges
* Repeaters
* Gateways
* Modems
Hubs:
A hub is a small, simple, inexpensive device that joins multiple computers together at a low level network protocol layer.
Functions
It is essentially a multi port repeater (repeater receives digital data, regenerates the signal and then re-transmits the data)
Switches:
A switch is a networking device that joins multiple computers together at a low level network protocol layer.
Functions
It is used to transport the data to the specific computer.
Routers:
A router is a physical device that joins multiple networks together.
Functions
It connects dissimilar networks such as LAN and Internet together.
Bridges:
A bridge is an electrical device which connects and passes packets between two network segments.
Functions
It is used to send the data to the concerned segment, thus reducing excess traffic.
Repeaters:
A repeater is an electronic device that simply regenerates a signal.
Functions
It recreates the bit pattern of the signal and puts this regenerated signal back to the transmission medium.
Gateways:
Gateway is a device used to connect networks using different protocols.
Functions
A gateway repackages information to match the requirements of the destination system.
Modems:
Modem is a device that makes it possible for computers to communicate over a telephone line. The word MODEM Stands for “MOdulator-DEModulator.
Functions
It is used to connect telephone lines (which uses analog signals) to computers (which uses digital signals) for data communication.