The field of networking technology may be quite esoteric, but with the right vocabulary and a general understanding of how devices work on your home network, you can deploy your network with confidence. The three devices we use most in our homes, offices, and other places are modems, routers, and switches. They are all around you. From the Google hosted data center to the internet connection in your home. Despite being everywhere, many people are not aware of how each technology is used. The distinction between Wi-Fi and a router can sometimes go unnoticed.
The aim of the article is to clarify what each part does and how it does your broadband link.
What is a modem?
It is a gadget that connects directly to a wireless network rather than to the telephone system. It has direct access to a provider’s internet connection. Smartphones, cell phones, and Personal Data Assistants (PDAs) may come with wireless modems already installed. In addition, companies can offer distribution in the form of a wireless firewall modems, serial devices or USBs. Other wireless modem sizes range from that of a cable modem to that of something slightly larger than a credit card.
What is a WiFi router?
It is a device that manages network traffic. It receives data from the wireless modem and sends it to an accessory for the modem. To allow access to the connected devices, the router creates internal IP (Network Address Translated) (NAT) addresses. To ensure that many devices can be connected to the same network, home routers come with built-in switches. On the other hand, business or corporate routers may not have this feature as they require a standalone switch.
What is a switch in networking?
Check out a power strip to get a clear idea of what a switch is. It is a device with numerous sockets for connecting electrically powered gadgets. A switch is essentially similar, except in this case it provides outlets for a network instead of electricity. It is a device that connects different gadgets through one network. A switch was created to make it easier for devices connected to the same network to communicate with each other, unlike a router which can create and route traffic between TCP/IP networks.
To send information where it needs to go, it uses the MAC address. As a result, it reduces the amount of data on the network, improves security while improving the overall speed of the linked devices.
