NETWORKING DEVICES Network devices, also known as networking hardware, are

physical devices that allow hardware on a computer network to communicate and interact
with one another. For example Repeater, Hub, Switch, Routers, Gateway, etc.

What Is the OSI Model

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model describes seven layers that computer systems
use to communicate over a network. It was the first standard model for network
communications, adopted by all major computer and telecommunication companies in the early
1980s

OSI Model Explained: The OSI 7 Layers

Application Layer

At this layer, both the end user and the application layer interact directly with the software
application. This is the layer that interacts with you, the user. It includes the software and
applications you use to access the network, like web browsers, email programs, and chat apps.
It's like the friendly face of the network.

Presentation Layer

Imagine this layer as a translator that makes sure data sent by one computer can be understood
by another. This layer basically represents the application that the client uses.

Session Layer

This layer manages and maintains communication sessions between devices. Think of it as a
virtual handshake that says, "We're going to have a conversation."

Transport Layer

Here, data is divided into smaller pieces and then reassembled at the destination. It also makes
sure that data is delivered reliably and in the right order, like ensuring that all the parts of a
jigsaw puzzle fit together perfectly. It is also known as Heart of OSI model.

Network Layer
This layer is like the GPS of the network. It figures out the best path for data to travel from one
network to another. Imagine it as planning a route for a delivery truck.

Data Link Layer

Think of this layer as the one that organizes data into neat little packages (frames) for efficient
delivery. It also manages how devices on the same network talk to each other, kind of like
making sure people in a room take turns talking.

Physical Layer

This is the layer where actual physical connections happen. It makes the data into packets and
assign them private codes. It deals with cables, wires, and how the data is turned into electrical
or optical signals to travel over these cables.

Various Networking devices

1. Repeater – A repeater operates at the physical layer. Its job is to regenerate the signal
over the same network before the signal becomes too weak or corrupted to extend the
length to which the signal can be transmitted over the same network. An important point
to be noted about repeaters is that they not only amplify the signal but also regenerate
it. When the signal becomes weak, they copy it bit by bit and regenerate it. It is a 2-port
device.

2. Hub – A hub is a basically multi-port repeater. A hub connects multiple wires coming
from different branches, for example, the connector in star topology which connects
different stations. Hubs cannot filter data, so data packets are sent to all connected
devices. Also, they do not have the intelligence to find out the best path for data packets
which leads to inefficiencies and wastage. It is also known as Dumb device.

3. Switch – A switch is a multiport bridge with a buffer and a design that can boost its
efficiency(a large number of ports imply less traffic) and performance. A switch is a
data link layer device. The switch can perform error checking before forwarding data,
 which makes it very efficient as it does not forward packets that have errors and forward
good packets selectively to the correct port only.

4. Routers – A router is a device like a switch that routes data packets based on their IP
addresses. The router is mainly a Network Layer device. Routers normally connect
LANs and WANs and have a dynamically updating routing table based on which they
make decisions on routing the data packets.

5. Gateway – A gateway, as the name suggests, is a passage to connect two networks that
may work upon different networking models. They work as messenger agents that take
data from one system, interpret it, and transfer it to another system. Gateways are also
called protocol converters and can operate at any network layer. Gateways are generally
more complex than switches or routers.

6. MODEM – (Modulator and Demodulator)- A modem is like a translator for the

MCQ

1. What device connects multiple computers and forwards data packets between them? a.
Gateway b. Router c. Hub d. Switch d
2. Which device is often used for broadcasting data to all devices in a network segment
and does not make intelligent forwarding decisions? a. Gateway b. Router c. Hub d.
Switch c
3. Which of the following devices is responsible for modulating and demodulating digital
data to enable communication over analog signals ? a. Hub b. Modem c. Switch d.
Router b
4. In a wired network, where would you typically place a repeater to improve signal
strength? a. At the beginning of the network b. At the end of the network c. In the
middle of the network d. It doesn't matter where you place it. C
5. What device is used to amplify and extend the range of a network's signals to cover a
larger area? a. Router b. Hub c. Repeater d. Gateway c
6. Which device connects your home network to the internet and serves as the entry point
for all incoming and outgoing traffic? a. Router b. Switch c. Modem d. Gateway d