Network Hardware & Devices
Key Takeaways
- Switches operate at Layer 2 (Data Link) and forward frames based on MAC addresses, while routers operate at Layer 3 (Network) and forward packets based on IP addresses.
- Managed switches support VLANs, port mirroring, QoS, and SNMP monitoring; unmanaged switches are simple plug-and-play devices with no configuration options.
- A SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) router typically combines a router, switch, wireless access point, DHCP server, and firewall in a single device.
- PoE (Power over Ethernet) delivers both data and electrical power over a single Ethernet cable, commonly used for wireless access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones.
- A patch panel is a central termination point for network cables in a structured cabling environment, providing organization and easier troubleshooting in server rooms and wiring closets.
Last updated: March 2026
Network Hardware & Devices
Core Networking Devices
Router
- Operates at Layer 3 (Network) of the OSI model
- Forwards packets between different networks based on IP addresses
- Maintains a routing table to determine the best path for packet delivery
- Performs NAT (Network Address Translation) to allow private IP devices to access the internet
- Connects different network segments (e.g., your LAN to the internet)
Switch
- Operates at Layer 2 (Data Link) of the OSI model
- Forwards frames within the same network based on MAC addresses
- Maintains a MAC address table (CAM table) mapping MAC addresses to ports
- Provides dedicated bandwidth to each connected device (unlike a hub)
| Feature | Managed Switch | Unmanaged Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Web GUI, CLI, SNMP | None (plug-and-play) |
| VLANs | Yes | No |
| Port Mirroring | Yes | No |
| QoS | Yes | No |
| Monitoring | SNMP, logging | None |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Use Case | Enterprise, data centers | Home, small office |
Hub (Legacy)
- Operates at Layer 1 (Physical)
- Forwards all traffic to all connected ports (no intelligence)
- Creates one large collision domain — all devices share bandwidth
- Replaced by switches in modern networks — included on exam for historical knowledge
Wireless Access Point (WAP)
- Operates at Layer 2 (Data Link)
- Bridges wireless clients to the wired network
- Can operate as standalone or controller-managed
- Enterprise WAPs support multiple SSIDs, VLANs, and WPA3-Enterprise
SOHO Router / Wireless Router
A typical SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) router integrates multiple functions:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Router | Routes traffic between LAN and WAN (internet) |
| 4-Port Switch | Provides wired connections for local devices |
| Wireless Access Point | Provides Wi-Fi connectivity |
| DHCP Server | Automatically assigns IP addresses to local devices |
| Firewall | Filters traffic with NAT and basic stateful packet inspection |
| DNS Forwarder | Forwards DNS queries to upstream DNS servers |
Common SOHO Router Configurations
| Setting | Purpose | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | Wireless network name | Custom name (change from default) |
| WPA3/WPA2 Password | Wireless security key | Strong, 12+ characters |
| DHCP Range | IP address pool for clients | 192.168.1.100 – 192.168.1.254 |
| Admin Password | Router management access | Strong, unique password |
| Firmware | Router operating system | Always update to latest |
| Port Forwarding | Direct external traffic to internal server | e.g., Port 80 → 192.168.1.50 |
| UPnP | Automatic port forwarding for apps | Disable for security |
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
PoE delivers DC power and data over standard Ethernet cables:
| Standard | IEEE | Max Power (per port) | Cable Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| PoE | 802.3af | 15.4W | Cat 5e+ |
| PoE+ | 802.3at | 30W | Cat 5e+ |
| PoE++ | 802.3bt (Type 3) | 60W | Cat 5e+ |
| PoE++ | 802.3bt (Type 4) | 100W | Cat 5e+ |
Common PoE Devices:
- Wireless access points
- IP security cameras
- VoIP phones
- Point-of-sale terminals
- IoT sensors
Exam Tip: PoE requires either a PoE-capable switch or a PoE injector (a midspan device that adds power to a non-PoE switch connection).
Other Network Infrastructure
Patch Panel
- Provides a central point for cable termination in a structured cabling system
- Located in a server room or wiring closet
- Each port connects to a wall jack via permanent cable runs
- Patch cables connect panel ports to switch ports
- Makes cable management, labeling, and troubleshooting easier
Firewall
- Can be hardware (dedicated appliance) or software (host-based)
- Inspects incoming and outgoing traffic based on defined rules
- Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI): Tracks connection state and only allows expected traffic
- Stateless: Evaluates each packet independently against rules
- Enterprise firewalls include IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems)
Cable Modem / DSL Modem
- Converts ISP signal to Ethernet for your network
- Cable modem: Uses coaxial cable (DOCSIS standard)
- DSL modem: Uses telephone line (ADSL/VDSL)
- Fiber ONT: Converts fiber optic signal to Ethernet
Network-Attached Storage (NAS)
- Dedicated file storage device connected to the network
- Accessible by all authorized network users
- Supports RAID for data redundancy
- Uses protocols: SMB (Windows), NFS (Linux), AFP (macOS)
Test Your Knowledge
At which OSI layer does a network switch primarily operate?
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D
Test Your Knowledge
Which PoE standard can deliver up to 30W of power per port?
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B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
What is the main purpose of a patch panel in a network infrastructure?
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B
C
D