27/03/2026
Essential devices used in a modern computer network
These core devices direct traffic and manage the flow of data.
Internet / WAN Router & Firewall: This is the network’s edge device. It serves two functions: connecting the internal local area network (LAN) to the Internet (WAN) and providing a firewall to secure the network from outside threats.
Core Switches (Cisco Catalyst C9300L-24T-4X): These are high-capacity, high-speed switches positioned at the top of the network hierarchy. They aggregate data traffic from different network segments and provide high-speed connections (here, labeled as 10G fiber uplinks) to ensure optimal data throughput for the entire network.
Access Switches (Cisco Catalyst C9200L-24P-4G): These switches are the "edge" where end-user devices connect to the network. Their primary job is to connect end devices, like computers, printers, and phones, to the rest of the network. This specific model supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), allowing it to deliver power to devices like IP phones and wireless access points directly through the Ethernet cable.
