How common network devices forward traffic, provide access, enforce policy, distribute requests, inspect traffic, or supply storage.
Network devices should be named by their role rather than their form factor or vendor label.
| Device or service | Primary role |
|---|---|
| Router | Forwards traffic between IP networks |
| Switch | Forwards frames within a Layer 2 domain |
| Firewall | Enforces traffic policy between zones |
| Proxy | Intermediates requests for clients or services |
| Load balancer | Distributes requests across backend targets |
| IDS / IPS | Detects suspicious activity; an IPS can block based on policy |
| Access point | Connects wireless clients to a network |
| Wireless controller | Centralizes policy and management for multiple access points |
| NAS / SAN | Provides storage rather than routing between networks |
A device may combine roles, but the operating function at issue determines the correct term.