Network Devices
Network Devices
Network Devices are physical devices that allows hardware on
a computer network to interact and communicate with one
another.
Endpoint Devices
Server
Switch
Router
Firewall
IPS
Access Point
Controller
Endpoints and server
PoE
Endpoint Devices
Client are typically seen as the requesting program or user
in a client server architecture.
Client end-user devices typically include desktop
computers, laptops and smartphones.
Client Request
Server Responses
Client Server
Service Devices
A server device is a specialized computer or hardware
system designed to other devices (Clients) in a network
servers handle requests from clients and respond with the
required information or services.
How do server devices work ?
Client Send a Requests - A user or devices (client) sends a
request to the server (e.g., accessing a website, fetching a
file or querying a database.)
Server Process the Requests - The server receives the
request, process it, and retrieves the required data or
executes the necessary action.
Response Sent to the Client - The server sends the
requested data back to the client for use.
Types of server devices:
Server Types Function Example
Webserver HostsWebsite Apache, Ngnix, IIS
File Server Stores and Manages WFS, Samba
Database
Manage Database MysqL, PostgreSL
server
Resolves Domain Names to
DNS Server BIND, Microsoft DNS
Ip Address
NICCard
NIC Card (Network
(Network Interface
InterfaceCard)
Card)
NIC allow both wired and wireless Communications.
NIC allows Communications between computers
connected via local Area Network (LAN).
NIC is both a physical Layer and a data Link layer Devices.
Each NIC can have two types of addresses:
Physical Address: Mac address (48 bits, Hexa Decimal).
Logical Address: IP address (32 bits, Decimal)
Types Of NIC cards:
Wired NIC (Ethernet Card) - Use RJ45 ports to connect via
LAN Cables.
Wireless NIC (Wi-Fi Card) - Connects to Network without
cables using Radio Signals.
Fiber NIC - Uses Fiber optice cables for high Speed
network connections.
Virtual NIC - Software-based NIC Used in Virtual Machines
(VMs) to connect to a network
Wireless NIC Card Wired NIC Card
Network Devices
NIC address (MAC address)
It is used to Communicate with LAN devices.
Length of A MAC address is 48 bit (6bytes).
MAC addressing is performed at Layer 2 of OSI model.
It is written in Hexa-decimal format.
Each MAC address has two parts -
OUI (Organizational Unique Identifier) :- 24 bits
NIC Specific
MAC
Media Access Control Access
00 1A 3f f1 4C C6
OUI :- Organizationally Unique NIC :- Network Interface
Identifier Controller Specific
Also Known as hardware address, physical address.
Each NIC has its globally unique MAC address.
How to check your device MAC address ?
Window : use ‘getmac’ Command in CLI
Ubuntu/linux/MAC : use “Ifconfig” in terminal
NIC address (IP address)
It is used to communicate with LAN as well as outside over
LAN network.
The length of a IP address (logical address) is 32 bits (4
bytes) only for IPV4. IPV6 addresses are 12bits
IPV4 Address Format
[Link]
First Octet: - 123: 01111011: 8 bits: 1Bytes
Second Octet: - 89: 01011001: 8 bits: 1Bytes
Third Octet: - 46: 00101110: 8 bits: 1Bytes
Fourth Octet: - 72: 01001000: 8 bits: 1Bytes
8*4 = 32 Bits = 4 bytes
Ip addressing is performed at layer 3 of OSI model.
It is written in decimal format.
Total 4 decimal digit in an IP address.
Each NIC can have single or multiple globally unique IP
address
How to check your device IP address ?
Window : use ‘ipconfig’ Command in CLI
Ubuntu/linux/MAC : use “Ifconfig” in terminal
Switch
A network switch connects devices within a network (after
a local area network, or LAN’s) and forward data frames to
and from those devices.
It operates at Layer 2 (Data link layer) or Layer 3 (Network
Layer of the OSI Model )
Types of Switches
Layer 2 Switches
Work on Layer 2 of OSI model.
Forwarding Decision on the basics on destination MAC
address.
Can only work as layer 2 Switch.
Layer 3 Switches
Works on layer 3 of OSI Model.
Forwarding decision on the basis on destination IP
address.
Can Work As layer 2 as well as layer 3 Switch.
By default, Layer 2 capabilities are enabled.
Router
A router is a device that Connects two or more networks,
Router is operates is (L3) Layer 3.
ROUTER
A X
w i t ch w i tc h
S S
B Y
Z
LAN
Network 1 D LAN
Network 2
Firewall
A firewall is a network security device used to monitor,
filter, and control inbound and outbound traffic based on
predefined security rules, protecting the network from
unauthorized access, cyber threats, and attacks.
Incomming
Network Traffic Accepted
Network Traffic
Internet Firewall Host Network
The firewall Controls and The Firewall forwards
filters incoming network accepted network traffic to
traffic to decide whether it the host machine and
should be accepted or blocks suspicious activity
restricted. based on predefined rules.
IPS Devices
IPS systems are also very good at finding and stopping
attacks that take advantage of security holes. As soon as a
security hole is found, there is usually a window of time
during which it can be used before a patch is made. An
Intrusion Prevention System stops these kinds of
attempts.
IDS Devices
IDS systems are used to monitor network or system traffic
for suspicious activity or known threats. Unlike IPS, an IDS
do not block traffic — instead, it detects potential attacks
and alerts administrators. It helps identify unauthorized
access, malware, or attempts to exploit vulnerabilities.
While an IPS acts automatically, an IDS monitors
network traffic and raises alarms when something
unusual happens. This helps security teams analyze
threats and take manual action before damage occurs.
Access Point
An Access point is a device that creates a wireless
network, or WLAN.
It helps to connect wireless network to wired network.
Is a wireless router an access point ?
Yes, because it includes access point functionality
inside it - it allows wireless devices to connect to the
network.
PoE
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a standard that allows
Ethernet cables to transmit data and electrical power
simultaneously using a single network cable.
Uses
IP Cameras,
Wireless Access Point (WAPs),
VoIP Phones,
IoT Devices,
PoE
PoE (802.3af/at)
If you're using a PoE switch, it's probably using Mode A
(power + data on 1,2,3,6).
PoE Switch PoE Injector
If you're using a PoE injector, it may use Mode B (power
only on 4,5,7,8).
[Link]