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Computer networks vary in scale from small work groups, local area networks (LANs) to some of the largest networks like the internet. They are all created essentially from connections between computers. The intermediary devices make the data transfer and regulation of these networks possible. They are designed to serve many functions like making data flow control decisions, data encryption, data modulation and demodulation, provide network security and most importantly, provide point to point connectivity. Here are some of the prime examples of intermediary devices that make this possible. I assume that you are familiar with the OSI (Open System Interconnection) model which describe the hierarchies in a computer networking system. In case you are not familiar with it, refer to the article 'OSI model explained'.
Switches
Network switches or packet switches are devices that connect the various segments of a network, and their main function is switching packets of data. Also called as a network bridge, they switch processes and rout data at the level of the data link layer, which is second of the OSI model layers (concerned with physical addressing of data). A switch may also operate at the level of other OSI layers like the physical, network or transport layer. Multilayer switches act at different OSI layers simultaneously. Network switches play a vital role in the functioning of local area networks.
Routers
As its name suggests, a router is an intermediary device that regulates and routs data traffic between computer networks. It forwards data to various network destinations and controls flow of data between two or more logical subnets, which do not have the same network address in a large network. It selects the optimum path for data transfer between two points in a network. Routers are one of the most vital intermediary devices that make data transmission possible.
Modem
A modem (modulator - demodulator) is an intermediary device that converts analog signals transferred over networks into digital signals and digital signals back to analog. They enable the transmission of digital data over analog mediums like telephone lines and optic fiber cables.
Wireless Access Points
A wireless access point (WAP) is an intermediary device in a network that connects various types of wireless communication devices to connect with wireless networks. The connectivity is made possible through 'Bluetooth' and 'Wifi technologies'. It acts as an intermediary between wireless devices and wired devices that are part of a network.
Hub
Working at the physical layer of the OSI model, a hub is basically a connector between ethernet segments which also control the bandwidth sharing among connected computer terminals.
Repeater
Repeaters are network devices that carry out the task of maintaining signal strength over its transmission through a network. They regenerate data signals and amplify them for further transmission.
Firewall
A firewall is one of the most important intermediary devices in any network. A firewall is any hardware appliance or software designed to filter network traffic that passes through it according to certain criteria and trust levels set by the network administrator.
These were some of the most common intermediary devices that are part of every computer network at any scale. Some other examples of intermediary network devices are proxy servers, gateways and digital media receivers. Without them, the working of a computer network would be next to impossible!
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What is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communication devices and transmission media?
network
What two functions a network card provide?
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What is a group of two or more computers and other devices connected by the means of one or more communications media called?
Network. connecting two or mor computer is switch or hub
Sophisticated networks generally use which of the following hardware devices to ease the flow of data packets throughout the network?
Modern networks used two devices for the data packets within the network will flow easily. The two devices are the routers and switches.
Which particular layer of OSI model is not required if two devices communicate at the same network?
In this situation Network Layer may not be required. Data Link Layer can handle communication process. If two devices are communicating from different networks then Network Layer a is must. In this situation Data Link Layer is not enough for completing the communication process as it lacks Routing ability which is the primary function of Network Layer.
