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Computer networks vary in scale from small work groups, local area networks (LANs) to some of the largest networks like the internet. They are all created essentially from connections between computers. The intermediary devices make the data transfer and regulation of these networks possible. They are designed to serve many functions like making data flow control decisions, data encryption, data modulation and demodulation, provide network security and most importantly, provide point to point connectivity. Here are some of the prime examples of intermediary devices that make this possible. I assume that you are familiar with the OSI (Open System Interconnection) model which describe the hierarchies in a computer networking system. In case you are not familiar with it, refer to the article 'OSI model explained'.
Switches
Network switches or packet switches are devices that connect the various segments of a network, and their main function is switching packets of data. Also called as a network bridge, they switch processes and rout data at the level of the data link layer, which is second of the OSI model layers (concerned with physical addressing of data). A switch may also operate at the level of other OSI layers like the physical, network or transport layer. Multilayer switches act at different OSI layers simultaneously. Network switches play a vital role in the functioning of local area networks.
Routers
As its name suggests, a router is an intermediary device that regulates and routs data traffic between computer networks. It forwards data to various network destinations and controls flow of data between two or more logical subnets, which do not have the same network address in a large network. It selects the optimum path for data transfer between two points in a network. Routers are one of the most vital intermediary devices that make data transmission possible.
Modem
A modem (modulator - demodulator) is an intermediary device that converts analog signals transferred over networks into digital signals and digital signals back to analog. They enable the transmission of digital data over analog mediums like telephone lines and optic fiber cables.
Wireless Access Points
A wireless access point (WAP) is an intermediary device in a network that connects various types of wireless communication devices to connect with wireless networks. The connectivity is made possible through 'Bluetooth' and 'Wifi technologies'. It acts as an intermediary between wireless devices and wired devices that are part of a network.
Hub
Working at the physical layer of the OSI model, a hub is basically a connector between ethernet segments which also control the bandwidth sharing among connected computer terminals.
Repeater
Repeaters are network devices that carry out the task of maintaining signal strength over its transmission through a network. They regenerate data signals and amplify them for further transmission.
Firewall
A firewall is one of the most important intermediary devices in any network. A firewall is any hardware appliance or software designed to filter network traffic that passes through it according to certain criteria and trust levels set by the network administrator.
These were some of the most common intermediary devices that are part of every computer network at any scale. Some other examples of intermediary network devices are proxy servers, gateways and digital media receivers. Without them, the working of a computer network would be next to impossible!
What else can I help you with?
What is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communication devices and transmission media?
network
What two functions a network card provide?
ask a smart person
Sophisticated networks generally use which of the following hardware devices to ease the flow of data packets throughout the network?
Modern networks used two devices for the data packets within the network will flow easily. The two devices are the routers and switches.
What is a group of two or more computers and other devices connected by the means of one or more communications media called?
Network. connecting two or mor computer is switch or hub
Which particular layer of OSI model is not required if two devices communicate at the same network?
In this situation Network Layer may not be required. Data Link Layer can handle communication process. If two devices are communicating from different networks then Network Layer a is must. In this situation Data Link Layer is not enough for completing the communication process as it lacks Routing ability which is the primary function of Network Layer.
An integrated router can normally perform the functions of which two other network devices?
Switch and access point
What are two functions of intermediate devices on a network (Choose two.)?
Intermediate devices on a network, such as routers and switches, serve critical functions including packet forwarding and traffic management. Routers direct data packets between different networks, ensuring they reach their appropriate destinations, while switches facilitate communication within the same network by forwarding data to specific devices based on their MAC addresses. Additionally, these devices can enhance network security and performance by managing data flow and preventing congestion.
What are the two functions of storage devices?
Input and Output.
What is the minimum number of the devices required to have a network?
two
4 examples of intermediary network devices?
Azharuddin university of Malakand Intermediary devices- switches Network switches or packet switches are devices that connect the various segments of a network, and their main function is switching packets of data. Also known as a network bridge, they switch processes and rout data at the level of the data link layer, which is second of the OSI model layers (concerned with physical addressing of data). A switch may also operate at the level of other OSI layers like the physical, network or transport layer. Multilayer switches act at different OSI layers simultaneously. Network switches play a vital role in the functioning of local area networks. Routers As its name suggests, a router is an intermediary device that regulates and routs data traffic between computer networks. It forwards data to various network destinations and controls flow of data between two or more logical subnets, which do not have the same network address in a large network. It selects the optimum path for data transfer between two points in a network. Routers are one of the most vital network devices that make data transmission possible. Modem A modem (modulator - demodulator) is an intermediary device that converts analog signals transferred over networks into digital signals and digital signals back to analog. They enable the transmission of digital data over analog mediums like telephone lines and optic fiber cables. Wireless Access Points A wireless access point (WAP) is an intermediary device in a network that connects various types of wireless communication devices to connect with wireless networks. The connectivity is made possible through 'Bluetooth' and 'Wi-Fi technologies'. It acts as an intermediary between wireless devices and wired devices that are part of a network. Hub Working at the physical layer of the OSI model, a hub is basically a connector between ethernet segments which also control the bandwidth sharing among connected computer terminals. Repeater Repeaters are network devices that carry out the task of maintaining signal strength over its transmission through a network. They regenerate data signals and amplify them for further transmission. Firewall A firewall is any hardware appliance or software designed to filter network traffic that passes through it according to certain criteria and trust levels set by the network administrator.
What are the two most important network layer functions in a datagram network?
Forwarding and Routing.
What is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communication devices and transmission media?
network
What two functions a network card provide?
ask a smart person
How to make Direct network connection?
For a direct network connection between two devices you need a cross-over cable.
What is an intermediary that starts with g?
A "go-between" acts as an intermediary between two individuals.
Name two peripheral devices found in this system and state their functions?
havint a clue
What is the difference between network and internetwork?
The difference between the two is that a network could be defined as a group of locally connected computers (Eg: Computers connected in an office buliding); whereas, An internetwork is a collection of individual networks, connected by intermediate networking devices, that functions as a single large network
