Network devices are the hardware that helps computers and other devices connect and share data. In an office network, these devices make it easy to move files, use shared tools, and keep everything secure.

Our article details:

• The importance of network devices for your business
• The 10 common types of network devices
• Obsolete networking device mentions
• How Meter can assist your network with their own hardware

A better understanding of network devices

Network devices are the hardware that keeps everything in a network working in tandem. We're talking computers, servers, printers, and more. They move data around, connect everything, and make sure everything works the way it was meant to.

Businesses of all sizes benefit from the use of network devices. They handle important jobs like:

• Managing traffic
• Connecting equipment
• Keeping networks fortified

Without them, sharing files, accessing the Internet, or even printing would feel like a never-ending struggle. It’s safe to say they’re the glue holding the network together.

But what are these networking devices? There are some common ones, not-so-common ones, and those that are no longer (or barely) in use anymore. Here’s our list of the 10 most common you’ll find in today's modern businesses.

1. Routers

Routers are like the air traffic controllers of your network, but they don't direct planes. Instead, they’re directing data packets to their destinations. They figure out the best routes for your information to travel, making sure it gets where it needs to go without unnecessary delays.

Their main job? Connecting your local network—like the one in your office—to other networks, including the Internet.

A router handles a lot of responsibility

A router lets employees access the Internet while keeping internal communications running efficiently. It also manages traffic to ensure video calls don’t lag just because someone in HR decided to download a giant file. Routers keep everything balanced, preventing bottlenecks and making sure data flows with ease.

Advanced features for better performance

Some routers go beyond the basics. Enterprise models often include traffic shaping and Quality of Service (QoS) features. These will prioritize important applications, like VoIP or cloud services, over less critical tasks. Routers help businesses reduce delays and make certain important operations stay on track.

Different types of routers

Not all routers are the same. Basic models work well for small setups, while advanced routers can manage complex office networks with many connections. Some are specialized for connecting remote locations or integrating with cloud services. Choosing the right router depends on your network's size and complexity.

2. Switches

Switches are the multitaskers of a local network. They act as a device hub—connecting computers, printers, servers—and keep data flowing to the right place.

While routers handle traffic between networks, switches focus on keeping everything organized within your local area network (LAN). Consider them the ultimate traffic managers, using MAC addresses to send data where it needs to go without clogging up the network with unnecessary broadcasts.

Switches make collaboration easier

They link workstations to shared resources like file servers and printers. Imagine a marketing team uploading massive design files or printing proposals—switches get these jobs done quickly without holding up everyone else’s work. They manage traffic flow so that employees don’t end up frustrated waiting for their turn in the digital queue.

Meter enhances this experience with their 24-Port and 48-Port PoE+ switches. You get the following features:

• Digital Twin Capability that provides a real-time, virtual representation of your physical switches, enhancing flexibility and visibility.
• Cloud-based management that allows for remote control and monitoring across multiple sites, simplifying network administration.

Features that make switches shine

Switches are computer network devices designed to keep things efficient. Just a taste of what they do:

• Minimize data collisions
• Improve transfer speeds
• Help avoid congestion

Advanced models, like Meter’s, allow for network segmentation and support features like virtual LANs (VLANS), which can separate traffic into smaller, more manageable groups. It keeps sensitive data private while still allowing everyone to share the network.

Different types of switches

Unmanaged switches are the simple, plug-and-play types—you don’t have to configure anything. Managed switches, on the other hand, offer more control. They let IT teams fine-tune traffic, monitor performance, and even set security rules. Managed switches are a popular choice in larger businesses or complex networks.

Some switches also include features like Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoE allows devices like IP cameras or phones to get both data and power through a single cable. For switches without PoE, there are PoE injectors. These devices are a cost-effective solution when upgrading switches isn’t an option.

Access points (APs)

Access points, or APs, are what let your devices connect to Wi-Fi. They take a wired network and extend it into the air, creating a wireless local area network (WLAN). If you’ve ever sent an email from your laptop in a meeting room or streamed a video while sitting in the breakroom, you’ve got APs to thank. They’re especially handy in places where dragging cables everywhere isn’t an option.

APs transform your network

APs transform basic wired networks into something far more flexible and accessible. By creating a WLAN, APs allow devices to connect without being tethered to cables. The shift is essential for modern workspaces, where flexibility and ease of access are priorities. APs expand your network’s reach and efficiently manage the growing number of wireless devices.

With APs in place, your network isn’t confined to desks or hardwired setups. Instead, it becomes dynamic—letting employees, students, or customers move freely while staying connected.

Use cases for APs

Picture a large university campus. APs are placed strategically in classrooms, dorms, and common areas, so students can stay connected no matter where they are. From streaming lectures to submitting assignments, Wi-Fi powered by APs keeps everything running.

Now, think about a busy office. Employees move from meeting rooms to hot desks, accessing cloud apps and hopping on video calls without a second thought. APs provide reliable connectivity throughout the building, keeping devices connected wherever they are.

In retail stores, APs play another critical role. They provide reliable Wi-Fi for payment systems and customer-facing services, like in-store apps or guest Wi-Fi.

APs are convenient, sure. But for modern networks, they mean so much more:

• They make mobility possible
• Connect a growing number of wireless devices
• Keep the network accessible in areas where cables just don’t make sense

Access points keep everyone connected, no matter where they are.

Firewalls

Firewalls are the networking device equivalent to a security guard. They decide who gets in and who gets turned away. A firewall tracks and controls traffic based on security rules, keeping the trusted parts of your network safe from the unpredictable chaos of the Internet. Without them, networks would be wide open to all kinds of cyber threats, from nosy intruders to malware hitching a ride.

Firewalls are essential for keeping your network safe

Firewalls block unauthorized access, detect suspicious activity, and make sure only the right data gets through. In a healthcare setup, for example, firewalls filter out malicious traffic and safeguard sensitive patient information. Without this level of protection, private data could be at serious risk.

The difference between stateful and stateless firewalls

Firewalls come in two main types:

• Stateless
• Stateful

Stateless firewalls check each data packet independently, following a simple set of rules. The "security guard" still checks IDs but doesn’t remember faces after letting them in. Meter’s security appliances are of the stateless variety. They provide lightweight yet effective control over network traffic.

Stateful firewalls, on the other hand, are a little different. They track ongoing connections and use that context to make smarter decisions. Think of them as a guard who remembers who’s inside and watches for unusual behavior.

Let's talk next-gen

Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) take protection up a notch. They combine traditional firewall features with advanced tools like:

• Deep packet inspection
• Intrusion prevention
• Application-level filtering

These are the tech-savvy guards who check IDs, scan for hidden threats, and analyze behavior all at once. Meter’s stateless firewalls can complement NGFWs in setups that need both simplicity and advanced protection.

Modems

Modems convert digital data from your devices into analog signals that can travel over telephone or cable lines. They then flip the process to turn incoming analog signals back into digital ones your devices understand. Without them, your network would be like a room full of people speaking different languages with no interpreter in sight.

Modem vs. gateway

Modems, gateways, and routers often get mixed up, and it’s easy to see why—they all play a part in getting your network online. But they aren’t the same thing.

Modems are the behind-the-scenes translators that make Internet connectivity possible. It converts the signals from your ISP (whether over telephone lines, coaxial cables, or fiber) into something your devices can understand. Without a modem, there’s no Internet connection—period.

A gateway, on the other hand, is a broader term. It’s the bridge between your internal network and the outside world. In smaller setups, a gateway often combines a modem and a router in one device. But in larger networks, a gateway might be a separate device that handles tasks like translating protocols, managing traffic, or adding an extra layer of security.

In short:

• A modem connects you to your ISP.
• A gateway connects your internal network to external ones (and may include a modem or router).

Understanding what each does can help you choose the right setup for your needs—whether it’s a simple home office or a more complex network.

Different types of modems

The type of modem you need depends on how you’re connecting to the Internet:

• DSL Modems work with telephone lines to deliver broadband Internet and are a common choice in areas where fiber or cable isn’t available.
• Cable modems are perfect for broadband connections using coaxial cables, which are widely used in homes and smaller businesses.
• Fiber modems (or ONTs—Optical Network Terminals) are less common in traditional setups, but they are necessary for direct fiber connections, translating light signals into data your devices can use.

Features that make modems work harder

Modems today are smarter than ever. Many include built-in routers, combining the tasks of connecting to the Internet and distributing that connection across a local network. Others come with enhanced security features, such as firewalls, to provide an added layer of protection. While not a replacement for more advanced network tools, these features make modems more versatile for smaller setups.

Gateways

Gateways are the network’s problem solvers, connecting different systems and making sure they play nicely together—even when they don’t speak the same "language." These devices translate protocols, enabling smooth communication between:

• Internal networks
• External networks
• Cloud services

Without gateways, many networks would be stuck in their own silos, unable to connect.

Gateways are important to large organizations

Gateways link regional offices to the central network, even if each location uses a slightly different protocol. For example, a branch in one country might operate with specific regional requirements. A gateway makes sure it can still connect with the rest of the company’s systems. Gateways translate protocols so on-premises systems and cloud platforms can work together.

Where are gateways more common?

Gateways are most often found in networks with complex needs. Hybrid cloud setups, IoT systems, and organizations with multiple branch offices often rely on gateways to keep things connected. Smaller networks, like home offices, rarely need standalone gateways because their functions are typically bundled into other devices, like routers or modems.

IoT systems use specialized gateways to handle the unique needs of connected devices. IoT gateways help sensors and smart devices talk to enterprise networks, even when they use tricky protocols like MQTT (message queuing telemetry transport) that the network doesn’t normally understand.

They also add a layer of protection by sorting and managing IoT data before it reaches the main network. In tech-reliant industries, IoT gateways play an integral role by keeping everything running and connected.

Network Interface Cards (NICs)

NICs are the quiet workhorses of your network, giving devices the ability to connect and communicate. Think of them as the "handshakers" that let your computer talk to the rest of the network. Each NIC has a unique MAC address, kind of like a name tag, so devices can recognize and interact with each other.

In a busy office, NICs make teamwork happen. A desktop pulls up files from a server, a laptop sends something to the printer, and everyone stays connected without a second thought.

They’re not just about connection, though. NICs also help with network security. Their unique MAC addresses make it easier for admins to track devices and sort out any connection issues. Simple, reliable, and absolutely essential.

Load balancers

Load balancers are the ultimate multitaskers. They distribute incoming traffic across multiple servers to keep everything working right. Servers are prevented from becoming overwhelmed, which keeps users from waiting too long for a page to load. It also helps maintain steady performance across the network.

In data centers, load balancers keep web traffic under control so that apps stay fast and responsive, even when demand spikes. They’re also great in a crisis—if one server decides to take the day off, the load balancer shifts traffic to the others without problems.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)

IDPS keeps a watchful eye on network traffic and looks for anything suspicious. If something fishy pops up—like an attempted hack or strange behavior—it jumps into action. Intrusion detection spots the problem and alerts admins, while intrusion prevention takes it a step further by blocking the threat automatically. It’s a double-layered defense that helps keep networks safe from attacks.

How does IDPS operate?

IDPS operates by analyzing network traffic in real time. It uses a mix of predefined rules (for known threats) and anomaly detection (for anything that looks off) to identify potential dangers.

Once a threat is flagged, the system can either alert administrators, block the suspicious activity, or both. The combination of detection and action makes IDPS a serious tool in enterprise security.

How does Meter fit in?

Meter’s security appliances bring strong traffic management and monitoring to the table. While they don’t have a built-in IDPS, they work great alongside one. By keeping track of traffic and providing clear insights, Meter helps make your network stronger and easier to manage.

Unified Threat Management (UTM) devices

UTMs simplify network security by bundling everything you need into one neat package. A few of their features include:

• Blocking malicious traffic
• Scanning for viruses
• Protecting remote connections with VPNs
• Keeping an eye out for potential intrusions

You get a full security team in a single box, saving time and reducing complexity for IT teams.

How a UTM safeguards your network

UTM devices sit at the edge of your network, acting as a gatekeeper. They monitor traffic, apply security rules, and respond to threats in real time. With all of these integrated functions, they cut down on the need for separate systems and make managing security easier.

Meter's approach to security

Meter’s solutions are a great choice for businesses that need reliable security and easy network management. Our security appliances handle the essentials without overcomplicating things, using features like:

• DNS filtering
• VPN support
• Stateless firewalls

If you’re dealing with bigger threats, Meter works well with other tools like UTMs to give your network extra protection and flexibility.

Common network devices that are yesterday’s news

Back in the early days of networking, bridges, device hubs, and repeaters were essential tools. They helped networks grow and connect, but like cassette tapes and dial-up modems, they’ve largely been replaced by more advanced technology.

Switches and other advanced devices have made these older tools unnecessary for most modern networks. Switches not only took over the jobs of bridges and device hubs but also made networks faster and smarter with features like VLANs and traffic prioritization. Repeaters were replaced by media converters and fiber amplifiers, which handle longer distances and improve signal quality.

Even media converters are fading out now, thanks to modern switches and routers that come with built-in fiber ports. You’ll mostly find them in niche setups, like industrial environments, where tough devices are needed to connect fiber optics to older equipment.

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While these devices still pop up occasionally in older systems, most networks have moved on to newer and better technology. They played an important role in their time, but it’s time for them to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

Optimize your network with Meter

Understanding network devices and their roles is key to building a reliable and efficient network. Meter offers a range of network devices designed to meet modern business needs and make network management easier. We can manage your network design, ISP selection, installation, hardware, and ongoing monitoring in one package.

Here’s what Meter brings to the table:

• Switches: Meter’s switches connect devices in a LAN to manage data flow efficiently.
• Access points: Meter’s access points provide strong Wi-Fi coverage with smart adjustments for performance.
• Security appliances: Our security appliances protect networks with traffic management and strict security policies.
• DNS filtering: Meter provides DNS security to block malicious domains and keep your network safe.
• Scalable network: Our network designs grow with your business to handle increased demands easily.

For more information regarding our network solution, including devices, contact us.