Networking Devices Explained – Routing, Switching
🌐 Networking Devices Explained – Routing, Switching & Firewall
Every strong network is built on three core pillars: Routing, Switching, and Security. Understanding how these devices work together is essential for anyone pursuing networking, cybersecurity, or system administration.
🔹 Routing (Routers)
• Connects multiple networks (LAN ↔ WAN)
• Makes forwarding decisions using IP addresses
• Works at OSI Layer 3
• Uses protocols like RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS, BGP
🔹 Switching (Switches)
• Connects devices within the same LAN
• Uses MAC addresses for frame forwarding
• Works at OSI Layer 2
• Key technologies: VLAN, STP/RSTP, LACP, PortFast, BPDU Guard, LLDP
🔹 Firewall (Network Security)
• Protects networks by filtering traffic
• Acts as a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks
• Supports NAT, ACLs, IDS/IPS, VPN (IPSec), ZBFW
• Enables deep packet & HTTPS inspection