Understanding the roles of devices in your network infrastructure
Network devices or network infrastructure is a critical component of any modern business. They promote effective communication between users within the network as well as external networks. Simplicity and functionality are the guiding principles for designing efficient and effective networks. Ideally, networking hardware should be built with both efficiency and longevity in mind. Each type of network device plays a specific role in network function and infrastructure security, and understanding these roles is paramount to a healthy IT environment. With that in mind, here’s a comprehensive guide to network devices.
What Are Network Devices?
At their core, network devices are communication devices. They are the required components for communication and interaction between hardware on a computer network. This hardware could be electronic devices like fax machines, computers, printers, and other IT infrastructure. The primary purpose of network devices is to transmit and receive data quickly and securely. “Network Devices” is a broad term that encompasses a range of communication equipment including hubs, switches, routers, bridges, gateways, load balancers, modems, repeaters, and more.
Types of Network Devices
Hub
A Hub is a connectivity device where cables are attached together to form a network segment. They connect multiple computer networking devices. Hubs can also act as a repeater or amplifier for information that has to travel over long distances. Typically, a hub doesn’t filter data, and instead just retransmits it. Hubs can handle both digital and analogue data as long as settings have been properly configured to use that data type. For example, if the incoming data is digital, the hub will transmit it in packets; but if the incoming data is analogue, it will pass it on via a signal.
Switch
Switches are more sophisticated than hubs, which are generally considered to be the simplest of network connecting devices. With both switches and hubs, each computer is connected through a single line, but switches are more intelligent about where it sends the data that comes through its ports. It does this by reading the hardware addresses of incoming packets and basing forwarding decisions on guidelines that are provided in the headers of the TCP/IP protocols. While switches and hubs perform a similar function, switches are often preferred because they improve network efficiency and network security. There are also multilayer switches, which function as both a switch and a router.
Router
Routers filters and forward data based on logical addresses, for example, the IP address. Routers can perform several functions. They store information about networks, can be configured to be packet-filtering firewalls and can use access control lists. Routers play a critical role in controlling traffic on the network as well as promoting efficiency.
Bridge
A bridge is a networking device that filters and forwards packets based on a physical address. Bridges are used to connect two or more network segments together and store and forward frames between the different segments. They are also used to divide more extensive networks into smaller sections and manage the flow of data between the sections.
Gateway
A gateway is a node that acts as a “gate” between two autonomous networks that each can have their own routing algorithms, protocols, domain name service, and topology. It allows traffic to flow in and out of the network but also acts as a critical stopping point for data on its way in or out of the network. It can also translate data it receives from outside the network into a format or protocol that is recognised by devices in the internal network. Put simply, a gateway is a router with additional functionality. For example, if a router has translation functionality, it becomes a router.
Repeater
A repeater is an electronic network device that amplifies the signal it receives. Repeaters allow signals to be transmitted over longer distances, typically more than 100 metres for standard LAN cables.
Load Balancer
A load balancer manages the flow of information between the server and the endpoint device, for example, a laptop, PC, or smartphone. They conduct continuous health checks on the server to ensure the server can handle requests; and if necessary, they remove undesirable servers from the pool until they are fixed. Load balancers can be physical or virtual.
Final Thoughts
A robust understanding of network devices is vital for any stable, secure, and efficient network. Each type of network device works in tandem to add value and functionality to the network, keeping all hardware connected and information flowing smoothly. In a world with rising incidences of cyber attackers, it’s essential to scout the right vendors to ensure a long-lasting and secure network device setup.
To learn how these devices work together to defend against cyber threats, explore our guide to network security devices and how they safeguard business networks from modern attacks.
As your network grows, these core devices must integrate with broader network infrastructure components — the physical, software, and service layers that keep your data flowing securely and efficiently.
About Skylar Compliance
Skylar Compliance is ScienceLogic’s configuration and compliance management offering. It ensures operational resilience and enforces policy standards across multi-vendor network devices and servers. It automatically backs up and restores device configurations, validates configurations against compliance rules, alerts security and operations teams of policy violations in real time, and provides full visibility into change history.
By eliminating manual configuration tasks and delivering a trusted recovery baseline, Skylar Compliance reduces risk, simplifies audits, and accelerates remediation so that enterprises stay secure and compliant at scale. Ready to see for yourself? Request your free 30-day Skylar Compliance trial today.
Network Device FAQs
What are network devices?
Network devices are hardware components that enable communication between computers, servers, and other equipment within a network. They transmit, receive, and manage data securely to ensure efficient network operations. Common examples include routers, switches, hubs, bridges, gateways, modems, and load balancers.
What are the main types of network devices?
The main types of network devices include hubs, switches, routers, bridges, gateways, repeaters, and load balancers. Each plays a specific role in managing data traffic, connecting network segments, and maintaining reliable communication between devices.
What is the difference between a hub and a switch?
A hub simply retransmits data to all connected devices, while a switch intelligently directs data to its intended destination using hardware (MAC) addresses. Switches improve network efficiency and security, whereas hubs are simpler and less efficient.
How does a router work in a network?
A router directs data packets between networks based on IP addresses. It filters and forwards traffic, stores network information, and can act as a firewall by applying access control lists. Routers ensure secure and efficient data routing between internal and external networks.
What is the purpose of a gateway in networking?
A gateway acts as an entry and exit point between two different networks. It translates data formats, protocols, and addresses so that internal and external systems can communicate effectively. Essentially, it’s a router with added functionality for protocol conversion.
What does a load balancer do in a network?
A load balancer distributes incoming network traffic evenly across multiple servers to prevent overload. It performs health checks on servers, reroutes requests from failing servers, and ensures high availability and performance for applications and websites.
Why is understanding network devices important?
Understanding network devices helps IT teams build secure, efficient, and resilient infrastructures. Each device contributes to network reliability, performance, and data protection. Properly configured devices also reduce vulnerabilities to cyberattacks.
How does Skylar Compliance help manage network devices?
Skylar Compliance by ScienceLogic automates configuration management across multi-vendor network devices and servers. It enforces compliance policies, alerts teams to violations, and maintains configuration backups. This reduces manual errors, strengthens security, and ensures continuous operational compliance.
