Other Specialized Devices
In addition to the network connectivity devices I’ve discussed with you, there are several devices that, while they may not be directly connected to a network, do actively participate in moving network data. Here’s a list of them:
- Multilayer switch
- Load balancer
- DNS server
- Proxy server
- Encryption devices
- Content filter
- Analog modem
- Packet shaper
- VPN concentrator
- Media converter
- VoIP endpoint
- VoIP PBX
Multilayer Switch
A multilayer switch (MLS) is a computer networking device that switches on Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Layer 2 like an ordinary network switch but provides routing. A 24-port MLS gives you the best of both worlds. It operates at Layer 3 (routing) while still providing 24 collision domains, which a router could not do.
The major difference between the packet-switching operation of a router and that of a Layer 3 or multilayer switch lies in the physical implementation. In routers, packet switching takes place using a microprocessor...
