Hubs send data from one computer to all other computers on the network. They are low-cost and low-function and typically operate at Layer 1 of the OSI model.
Hub
Switches are devices that relay traffic by using a Layer 2 address. They usually contain software that supports the building of routing tables.
Server Switch
Routers are specialized hardware devices with a tailored operating system. They are designed to relay packets between nodes in a data network. Routers operate at Layer 3 of the OSI model.
Internet Router Modem
Bridges perform similar operations to switches. The key difference is that bridges are associated with a LAN device that uses a MAC address for routing.
Collision Domain Bridge
Gateways are network nodes equipped for interfacing with another network that uses different protocols. They operate at Level 3 of the OSI model.
Gateway Internet Home Laptop Corporate/Private Network
Firewalls are devices used to protect a more secure network from a less secure network. Firewalls generally protect your internal LAN from the Internet. Firewalls generally operate at Layers 3 and 4 of the OSI model.
Switch Firewall Modem
Wireless Access Points (WAPs) are devices that allow wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other related standards.
WAP Router
Hub Switch Firewall Router Bridge Home laptop WAP Workstation 1 Workstation 2Workstation 3 Standalone computer