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Network Devices–Routers, Switches, Bridges, Hubs, Brouters, Repeaters, Multiplexers, Modems and CSU/DSUs.
Routers
Router is a Layer 3 device used to connect two or more logically separate networks. Routers forward packet based on IP address. All ports in a router are individual broadcast domain & individual collision domain.More on Routers
Brouters
Brouters are basically routers that can also bridge. A Brouter will first check to look if it supports the routing protocol being used by the packet. If not, instead of dropping the packet, the packet is bridged using hardware address information. Brouters act as routers to connect different networks both LAN & WAN and also act as a bridge to share files between computers connected to the same brouter.Bridges
Bridge is a Layer 2 device used to connect two LANs which are using same protocols like Ethernet or Token Ring. Wireless access point is an example of bridge. Bridges create multiple collision domains and single broadcast domain.More on Bridges
Switches
Switches are multi-port bridges. A switch can operate in Layer 2 or Layer 3 depending upon the model of switch. Basically, Layer 2 switches are used to connect all the hosts or computers. In Switches, each port is a separate collision domain. Switches also create multiple broadcast domains using VLANs. If VLANs not used, Layer 2 switches create a single broadcast domain.More on Switches
Hubs
Hub is a multi-port repeater which operates in Layer 1 (Physical Layer) of OSI model. Hubs forward data received in one port to all other ports without checking the destination address. Hubs create single collision domain and broadcast domain.More on Hubs
Repeaters
Repeaters are signal boosters which receive the incoming wireless, electrical or optical signals and re-transmits the signals after amplifying or regenerating the received signals. WiFi booster is a type of repeater.More on Repeaters
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