About Lesson
Networking devices play a crucial role in both connectivity and security:
Routers:
- Devices that connect multiple networks and direct data packets to their destinations.
- Routers often include basic firewall functionality to block unauthorized access.
Switches:
- Devices that connect devices within the same network, allowing them to communicate efficiently.
- Managed switches include features like VLANs (Virtual LANs) for better security segmentation.
Firewalls:
- Security devices or software that monitor and control network traffic based on predefined rules.
- Types of firewalls include packet-filtering, stateful, and next-generation firewalls (NGFWs).
- Firewalls are essential for protecting internal networks from external threats.
Understanding these devices helps learners grasp how networks are structured and secured against unauthorized access.