June 28, 2022
Eight types of network devices for your business
Building a business network involves a number of different devices, including physical hardware and virtual devices. While home networks are generally made up of only a few devices, including a modem and a router, a business network can include thousands of devices both on-site and in remote locations. Enterprise network infrastructures can be complex digital ecosystems, but generally contain a handful of the most common network devices.
As businesses grow their networks, more devices may need to be added and with the help of expert consultation, this can be done seamlessly and cost-effectively. SEACOM Business works with large organisations to design, enhance and upgrade their business networks to ensure maximum efficiency and performance.
Access Point (AP) device for wireless internet
APs are used to create a wireless local area network (LAN). These devices send and receive data so that visitors, clients and employees can wirelessly connect to the internet. Internet signals are transmitted from the AP device using 2.4Ghz and/or 5Ghz bands. APs receive the signal via an ethernet cable, which is connected to the router.
When setting up an AP device, it is important to consider the location as this will affect the signal strength. Technicians generally mount AP devices on walls or ceilings to provide maximum coverage. Physical obstacles, such as thick walls, can interfere with wireless signals, so the layout of the premises needs to be considered when choosing the right positioning for an AP device.
The modem is the basic network device
A modem is probably the most basic network device and is essential for the set up of any network. Modems provide internet connectivity because they receive signals from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and convert that signal into a format that the rest of the network can process.
Internet modems connect to a router. The router then sends the internet signal to devices on that network. Modems are compatible with ADSL, wireless, or fibre internet. In today’s digital age, fibre optic connections, such as those provided by SEACOM Business, provide the highest speeds and are most suited to business requirements.
A router enables internet access
Another essential component for any network is a router. Connected to the modem, these devices enable an internet connection, directing data from one part of the network to another. Routers look at incoming data packets, identifying the destination IP addresses and then send that data packet to where it needs to go. When a data packet comes in, the router inspects it (cross-referencing it with a routing table) and then chooses the best path for that data.
Routers can also be used to exchange and communicate data across different networks, and there are a range of different routers used within business networks, including edge routers, wireless routers, core routers and distribution routers.
Placed at different parts of the network, these routers perform slightly different functions. An edge router, for example, is placed at the network edge to communicate with end-point devices such as laptops and printers, while core routers are used to move data packets as quickly as possible across a business network.
Network bridge device
A network bridge device controls traffic moving between different parts of the network, enabling communication throughout the network. These devices are used to connect different LANs and generally come in two types. The first is a transparent bridge which connects LANs that use the same protocol, and the second is a translation bridge that connects LANs with different protocols.
Some network bridge devices can have switching capabilities, forwarding incoming data using media access control (MAC) addresses. While some business networks still use network bridge devices, this technology is being phased out. Bridge devices are being replaced by switches as these are considered more effective in large enterprise network design.
Network switch devices send data
Network switch devices forward incoming data to its destination by looking at incoming data frames. Devices, such as desktops, printers, or internet-enabled equipment, are connected to switch ports, usually via an ethernet cable. A network switch forwards incoming data to these IP addresses, sending it directly to a specific destination port.
Similar to a network bridge, switches keep track of device MAC addresses by including them on an address table. The switch refers to this table and sends the incoming data frames to the relevant destination. Switches allocate bandwidth for each port, maximising network efficiency and performance.
There are different types of network switches available, managed or unmanaged, smart switches, Layer 2 or 3, power over ethernet switches, modular, fixed and stackable switches. When designing enterprise networks, infrastructure architects at SEACOM Business ensure that the correct network switches are used at each part of the network.
Gateway device connects multiple networks
Gateway devices are used to connect networks that use different protocols, allowing data to move between these networks. Gateways are able to translate information from incoming packets, making that data compatible on different networks.
Once a data packet has been processed by a gateway, it is forwarded onto a router. From there, the packet is sent to its final destination on the network. Gateways are typically used with internet-enabled networks and in cloud architecture.
Hub connects multiple devices on the same network
Hubs are physical hardware used to connect multiple devices operating on the same LAN. By plugging laptops, desktops, printers and other devices into a hub port with an ethernet cable, higher speeds and more stable internet connections can be achieved.
Hubs send and receive data without examining the data frames or isolating data. They are simply used to connect devices, making them form part of the same local network. To communicate beyond the local network, hubs need to be connected to a router or switch. The size and reach of the network can be expanded by connecting multiple hub devices together.
There are three main types of hub: active, passive and intelligent. Active hubs are used as repeaters to boost signal strength or repair signals of incoming messages before they broadcast messages to other ports. Passive hubs don’t boost signals - they just connect devices that are plugged into the port. Intelligent hubs can manage and monitor data and are used to identify issues with connected devices.
Repeaters used to boost signal
Repeaters are used to improve signal strength and signal range. While an intelligent hub can boost the signal for the devices connected to its ports, a repeater just has two ports: one to receive incoming signals and one for outgoing signals.
Repeaters are often used with wireless networks, especially in large office spaces where the wireless signal needs to travel long range. They are increasingly being used with fibre internet to boost speeds.
Network devices for businesses
Business networking can be extremely complex, which is why many South African organisations are choosing third-party professionals to manage their network infrastructure design, deployment and maintenance. SEACOM Business offers a managed service so that enterprises do not need to take on specialised IT teams, drawing on our expertise for tailor-made ICT solutions. For more information or to get a quote for our networking solutions, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.
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