NETWORK DEVICES 

Network devices are hardware components used to facilitate communication and data transmission within computer networks. These devices play various roles in network infrastructure, including connecting devices, managing data traffic, ensuring network security, and providing access to network resources. Here are some common types of network devices:

• Router: A router is a network device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It operates at the network layer of the OSI model and uses routing tables to determine the best path for forwarding packets. Routers are commonly used to interconnect different LANs or WANs and enable communication between devices on different networks.
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• Switch: A switch is a network device that connects multiple devices within a LAN (local area network) and forwards data packets to their intended destinations. Unlike hubs, switches operate at the data link layer of the OSI model and use MAC addresses to forward packets only to the appropriate port where the destination device is connected. This improves network efficiency and reduces collision domains.
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• Hub: A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple devices within a LAN and broadcasts data packets to all connected devices. Hubs operate at the physical layer of the OSI model and do not perform any packet filtering or addressing. They are less efficient than switches and can lead to network congestion and collisions in busy networks.
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• Modem: A modem (short for modulator-demodulator) is a device that converts digital data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over analog communication channels (such as telephone lines or cable systems) and vice versa. Modems are commonly used to provide Internet connectivity over DSL, cable, or dial-up connections.
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• Bridge : A bridge is a network device used to connect two or more separate network segments or LANs (Local Area Networks) and forward traffic between them. Unlike routers, which operate at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model and make forwarding decisions based on IP addresses, bridges operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) and use MAC addresses to forward traffic within the same IP subnet.
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