Understanding the basics of networking is essential for managing modern digital communication. Key components like routers, switches, and wireless access points play a distinct role in connecting devices. In this guide, we’ll break down the functions of these devices and their importance in a network.

The fundamentals of networking: Routers, Switches, and wireless access points

Networking like routers, switches, and wireless access points aid your devices in connecting to our network and help communicate with other networks, but each has different functions. Let's embark on them individually.

Switches

Switches are crucial in every business network because they act as a network traffic manager that receives data packets and forwards them to the correct device on the network based on their MAC address, enabling efficient communication within a local area network (LAN).

A switch helps communication by learning the MAC addresses of connected devices and storing them in a table. When a data packet arrives, the switch forwards it only to the correct device based on its MAC address. This ensures efficient, direct communication between devices on the network.

SMB network switch benefits

• Network traffic prioritization

• Flexible deployment

• Secure networks

• Reliable operation

There are two basic types of switches:

• On-premises- On-premises solutions refer to IT infrastructure and applications hosted locally within an organization's physical premises. This model requires the organization to own, manage, and maintain all hardware and software.

• Cloud-managed- Cloud-managed solutions involve hosting services and applications in the cloud, which third-party providers manage.

Moreover, a managed on-premises switch allows you to configure and monitor your LAN, giving you more secure network traffic control.

If you have a small IT team? Then, a cloud-managed switch will streamline your complete network management. 

Cloud-managed network switches

• Cisco Meraki MS130 Series Switches

• Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switches

On-premises network switches

• Cisco Catalyst 1200 Series Switches

• Cisco Catalyst 1300 Series Switches

• Cisco Catalyst 9300L-M

Routers

Routers help connect numerous networks to the same internet. The networked computer can share a single internet connection, leading to saving money. It acts as a dispatcher, capable of data analysis and choosing the best route to send data across a network.

Moreover, with a router, we can connect our business globally, protecting data from security breaches and deciding which computers are prioritized over others. 

Beyond this, the router has multiple additional features to protect information. So, based on your security demand or requirement (Ground-to-cloud protection for SMBs, Enterprise authentication for SMBs, etc.), you can choose a router with a firewall, a virtual private network (VPN), or an Internet Protocol (IP) communications system.

SMB router benefits

• Simplified network management

• Flexible deployment

• Secure networking

• Performance insights

Cloud-managed routers

• Cisco Catalyst 8200 Series Edge Platforms

• Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platforms

• Cisco Meraki MX67 and MX68 appliances

• Cisco Meraki MX75 appliance

• Cisco Meraki MX85 appliance

On-premises routers

• Cisco Catalyst 8200 Series Edge Platforms

• Cisco Catalyst 8300 Series Edge Platforms

• Cisco 1000 Series Integrated Services Routers

Access Points

An access point help 

Access points (APs) help by providing wireless connectivity to devices within a network. They connect to a wired network, typically via an Ethernet cable, and transmit data wirelessly, allowing devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets to access the network without needing physical cables.

By doing this, access points enable users to move freely within the coverage area while staying connected to the network. Additionally, access points can extend the range of the network, ensuring consistent connectivity even in larger areas or buildings where a single router might not provide sufficient coverage. They play a crucial role in creating and expanding Wi-Fi networks, enhancing both accessibility and mobility for users.

An access point functions as an amplifier for your network. While a router offers bandwidth, an access point expands that bandwidth so that the network may handle many devices, some of which can connect from a distance.

But an access point does more than expand Wi-Fi. It can provide valuable data on network devices, proactive security, and other practical applications. Moreover, Access points support different IEEE standards. 

Cisco SMB wireless benefits

• Simple applications

• Flexible deployments

• Secure networks

• AI/ML intelligence

Cloud-managed wireless access points

• Cisco Catalyst 9162 Series Access Point

• Cisco Catalyst 9164 Series Access Point

• Cisco Catalyst 9166 Series Access Point

• Cisco Meraki GR12 access point

• Cisco Meraki GR62 access point

• Cisco Meraki MR36 access point

• Cisco Meraki MR44 access point

• Cisco Meraki MR46 access point

On-premises wireless access points

• Cisco Catalyst 9120AX Series Access Points

• Cisco Catalyst 9164 Series Access Points

• Cisco Catalyst 9166 Series Access Points

• Cisco Business 150AX Access Point

Wireless Networking

Centralized deployment

Converged deployment

Cloud-based deployment

The above three types of deployment help you create the wireless network.

1. Centralized deployment

Centralized deployment is a model where applications and services are hosted on a single server or a tightly coupled cluster of servers. This approach simplifies management, consolidating all resources and making updates and maintenance easier. However, it can create a single point of failure, leading to potential bottlenecks if the server or cluster becomes overloaded or fails.

2. Converged deployment

A converged deployment refers to integrating multiple IT functions—such as computing, storage, networking, and virtualization—into a unified system. It simplifies infrastructure management by consolidating hardware and software into pre-configured, optimized solutions. This approach improves efficiency and scalability and reduces the complexity of managing separate IT components.

3. Cloud-based deployment

Cloud-based deployment refers to hosting applications and services on remote servers accessed via the Internet rather than local servers or personal computers. This model allows organizations to utilize various cloud service models, such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), enabling them to scale resources dynamically based on demand. 

Conclusion:

Grasping the individual roles of switches, routers, and wireless access points is fundamental to optimizing network performance. Each device contributes uniquely to maintaining smooth, efficient communication. You can better manage and troubleshoot your network infrastructure by understanding its functions.