Role and Function of Network Components in Cisco

Computer networks are becoming more and more complex and the need for network connectivity is growing. The need has grown to the point where the network is becoming a major element of the Internet, which has been a huge success in the past few years. This is because the role and functions of Network Components in Cisco IOS Software has changed from a passive role to a more active one, and it has become a critical part of any network. Network connectivity has always been important to any company, but the role of network components has also become as important as the importance of a network.

Layer 2 Switches:

Layer 2 switches are also called L2 switches. Layer 2 switches are present in layer 2 of OSI model. L2 switches make forwarding and switching decisions. They inspect the incoming traffic, solving the issue of sending traffic to all ports. They get the learning addresses of the devices behind each port and unicast traffic to the desired port. It stores excess traffic in its buffer until the bandwidth of the desired port is available. They also provide connectivity between hosts on layer 2 with connected endpoints sharing the same broadcast domain and IP subnet. And also keeps the MAC address table. L2 switches provide full duplex connectivity. 

Layer 3 Switches:

Layer 3 switches are also called L3 switches. They are present in layer 3 of OSI model. L3 switches do forwarding and switching like L2 switches along with the routing (Routing is done by referring to the routing table). They support hardware-based forwarding. They provide high throughput as compared to the L2 switches.

• L3 switches make routing decisions by specialized ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), which makes switching fast.
• Ethernet ports can execute routing only in the Ethernet ports.

Endpoints:

An endpoint is a network device that communicates with our network to reach resources like data storage and other endpoints. Endpoints interact with users, following specific standard protocols. Endpoints have an OS which interacts with physical hardware using drivers. Example of endpoints: desktop, laptop etc.

Servers: 

A server is also an endpoint which serves the resources on the network. Servers provide resources like websites, files, security software etc. Servers can run various OS like Windows and Unix for different purposes.

Access Points:

Access points are used to provide connectivity to the users. It connects users to the network quickly and efficiently with some security. An access point is a device that creates a WLAN. It connects to switches and routers and to other network devices.

Controllers (Cisco DNA center and WLC):

Cisco provides controllers, i.e., Cisco DNA (Digital Network Architecture). DNA centers simplify network management, lower costs, and incorporate cloud services and third-party integrations. WLC stands for Wireless LAN Controller, which is used to manage many access points. Lightweight access points ask WLC to manage and configure them.