Best Network Devices in 2024

Network devices are the fundamental elements of a network infrastructure, encompassing components such as modems, routers, and switches. These devices play an important role in facilitating data transmission and communication within the network environment. 

What are Network Devices? 

Network devices in computer networks are physical hardware components linked to computers, printers, fax machines, and other electronic devices to interact and communicate between devices within a computer network. This network equipment securely and accurately transmits data over the same or different networks.  

The primary function of network products is to establish a connection between devices to facilitate data transmission and communication. Furthermore, computer network devices enhance network performance, optimize traffic flow, and provide network security by enforcing access control and threat prevention. 

Types of Network Devices 

There are different types of network devices, based on size, network topology, workloads, and other factors. Given below is a network equipment list, including access points, bridges, gateways, hubs, modems, repeaters, routers, and switches: 

• Access Point: An access point (AP) is a device used in networking to create a wireless local area network (WLAN). These network devices in computer networks act as a portal for other devices to connect to a local network, extending coverage and enabling multiple users to connect to the network wirelessly.  

  APs comprise transmitters and receivers that facilitate wireless communication and typically connect to a wired network infrastructure, such as a router or switch, via Ethernet. These network devices operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. APs are used to provide wireless connectivity in homes, businesses, and public spaces. 

• Bridge: A bridge is a network machine that interconnects two LANs or segments of the same LAN into a single domain. These computer network devices aggregate separate network segments and regulate traffic passing between them.  

  Bridges operate at Layer 2 of the OSI model, handling data link layer functions. They can be of two types, including transparent bridges and source routing bridges. These network devices use switching capabilities to forward incoming data frames based on MAC addresses, building a lookup table of MAC addresses and port locations to make forwarding decisions.  

• Gateway: Gateways are network devices in computer networks that act as connection points between different networks or network models that utilize different protocols. These computer network devices operate as protocol converters, translating incoming packet information to ensure compatibility with the destination environment.  

  Gateways can function at any layer of the OSI model and are commonly used in various network environments, including IoT and cloud setups. They typically forward processed data packets to routers for further transmission within the network.  

• Hub: Hubs are computer network devices that connect multiple devices within the same LAN, such as laptops, desktop computers, and printers. There are different types of hubs, including active, passive, and intelligent hubs.  
  • Active hubs act as repeaters that clean, boost, and relay signals and networks. 
  • Passive hubs provide connectivity without cleaning or boosting signals.     
  • Intelligent hubs offer management and monitoring features, enabling administrators to monitor traffic passing through the hub and configure each port in the hub. 
  • These network devices in computer networks operate at Layer 1 of the OSI model, the physical layer. A hub acts as a multi-port repeater, transmitting data packets received from one port to all other ports without filtering.  
• Modem: Modems transmit and receive data over various communication mediums, such as telephone lines or broadband networks. Its primary function is to modulate and demodulate signals, converting analog to digital and vice versa.  

  These network products connect to routers for distributing internet access to other devices on the network using Ethernet cable, DSL, fiber, or wireless connections. Modems can operate at Layer 1 or Layer 2 of the OSI model. 

• Repeater: Repeaters are network devices in computer networks that strengthen signals and resend them to their intended destinations. They amplify and regenerate signals, copying them bit by bit to maintain their original strength and quality.  

  Repeaters operate at Layer 1 of the OSI model and are commonly used in various networks, including wireless networks, fiber optics, telephones, TV broadcasting, and so on.  

• Router: A router network device directs data requests from one network to another by examining incoming packets and determining the appropriate destination IP address. They use routing tables containing route information to make routing decisions for data packets. With the help of these routing tables, the router divides the broadcast domains of hosts connected through it. 

  A router network device operates at Layer 3 of the OSI model, the network layer. These computer network devices connect LANs and WANs, enabling internet access through their connection to a modem or as a combined modem router.  

• Switch: A switch network device acts as a multiport bridge, forwarding data to its destination by examining the MAC address of incoming frames and sending them to the device with the matching address.  

  These network devices operate at Layer 2 of the OSI model. A switch network device increases the available bandwidth, reduces the workload on individual host PCs, and enhances network performance by selectively forwarding data based on MAC addresses.

What functions Network Devices do? 

Network devices in computer networks perform various functions, including traffic control, building connectivity, and segmenting networks: 

1. Traffic Control: Computer network devices, such as routers and firewalls perform the function of monitoring and controlling traffic flow within different network segments or subnets. These network products help network administrators manage and regulate the flow of data, as well as block unauthorized connection requests, enhancing network security. 
2. Connectivity: Network products like routers help in connecting different networks using unique protocols. This network equipment enables communication between systems based on different protocols, facilitating data format translation between disparate network environments. 
3. Segmentation: Another function of computer network devices is to divide a network into distinct zones or subnets for enhancing network security and efficiency. A switch network device and router network device perform the function of segmentation by creating separate network segments, limiting cyberattacks, and preventing unauthorized access to network resources. 

Is it important to monitor network devices? 

It is important to monitor network devices for accelerating troubleshooting, minimizing downtime, enabling network security, and improving asset visibility: 

1. Troubleshooting: By monitoring network equipment, the IT teams can identify performance and availability issues within the network devices. Network device monitoring helps in visually analyzing hardware health and resolving potential problems before they impact end users. 
2. Reducing Downtime: Monitoring network devices provides timely alerts for performance issues such as high CPU utilization, enabling network admins to implement corrective measures. This helps minimize network downtime and prevents disruptions to work continuity. 
3. Network Security: Network machine monitoring enables users to log security events, detect unusual traffic flows, and identify firmware vulnerabilities. By monitoring network traffic, users can enhance security control and protect the network against cyber threats. 
4. Asset Visibility: Network device monitoring allows network teams to identify equipment failure or slowdown. Monitoring network devices in real time to track compliance status and configuration settings enhances asset visibility and management. 

What are Network Interface Cards (NICs)? 

Network Interface Cards (NICs), also called network interface controllers are hardware network components that provide dedicated connections between computers and networks. There are two types of NICs, internal network cards and external network cards: 

• Internal Network Cards: Internal network cards provide network access to a computer upon being inserted into the motherboard. There are two types of internal network cards: Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) and Industry Standard Architecture (ISA). 
• External Network Cards: External network cards are used in desktops and laptops with no internal NIC. There are two types of external network cards: Wireless and USB-based.  

Best practices for managing network device security 

Managing network device security is crucial to running a network securely and efficiently. Users can follow some best practices for managing network device security, such as regularly updating firmware, implementing access control, segmenting network and VLSNs, monitoring network activities, and so on: 

1. Firmware and Software Updates: Regularly updating firmware and software is important to maintain the security of network devices. Update your computer network devices to address bugs and security vulnerabilities.  
2. Configuring Network Devices: Another measure to ensure the security of network devices in computer networks is to configure the network products with secure settings according to industry standards. Default configurations may raise the risk of unauthorized access. Implement strong security measures and protocols to mitigate potential security threats. 
3. User Management and Access Control: Implementing strong user management and access control practices is crucial for maintaining the security of network devices. Restrict user access to sensitive networks and implement access lists to maintain network security. 
4. Network segmentation and VLANs: Utilize network segmentation to create subnetworks within the larger network, enhancing security by limiting access to sensitive files. Implement VLANs to control access to segmented networks, such that only authorized devices can connect with the network.  
5. Monitor Log Activities: To maintain the security of network devices, it is important to keep logs of all users and devices that access the network. Set up guidelines and entry points for network devices and monitor any anomalous activity. 
6. Perform Security Assessments: Conduct periodic security assessments to ensure the security of computer network devices. Perform audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure. Regular assessments help maintain a strong security posture and protect against emerging threats.

Top 10 Network Devices Comparison 

Discussed below is a comparison of the top 10 network devices according to their key features and prices:

Top 10 Network Devices Comparison
Network Devices	Key Features	Network Devices Pricing
Aruba Instant On AP11	High Performance, Wireless Range, Security, Firewall Security, Multi-Site Management, Increase Visibility & Efficiency	Starting at ₹8,200
Aruba Instant On AP22	Fast 802.11ax, 2X2:2, Integrated Bluetooth, Built-In Security Gateway/Firewall, Multi-Site Management, PPPoE & Static IP, Complete App Visibility & Control	Starting at ₹19,320
Aruba Instant On AP25	Incredible Efficiency with Wi-Fi 6, Higher Performance & Superior Coverage, Safeguard Sensitive Data, Warranty & Support, TWT (Target Wake Time), Backward compliant	Starting at ₹31,991
Aruba Instant On AP22D	Wi-Fi Certified 6, Compact & Minimal, Gigabit Ethernet ports, Increased data rates, Security	Price on Request
Aruba Instant On AP21	Wi-Fi Certified 6, Support for 50 clients, Smart Mesh, Backward compatible, Secure out of the box	Price on Request
ExtremeWireless™ AP510C	Security, Management Analytics, Wi-Fi 6 Technology, RF Monitoring, Programmable Radios, Integrated BLE & Zigbee	Price on Request
SonicWall TZ Series (NGFW)	Reporting, SD-WAN and Zero-Touch Deployment Capabilities, SSL/TLS Decryption and Inspection, Deep Memory Inspection, Network Control, Flexibility	Starting at ₹70,639
Aruba Instant On AP32	Wi-Fi Certified 6, 2.5 GB Ethernet uplink port, Backward compatible, Increased capacity, Smart Mesh, ClientMatch	Price on Request
ExtremeWireless™ AP 305C	Security, Management Analytics, Wi-Fi 6 Technology, RF Monitoring, Programmable Radios, Integrated BLE & USB Port	Price on Request
Aruba Instant On AP27	Wi-Fi Certified 6, Rugged IP67-rated, Smart Mesh, Secure out-of-the-box, SSID Scheduling, Active Ratio Management	Price on Request