Communications Devices and OSI

Communications Devices and OSI

Each of the three lowest levels of the OSI model supports an important network hardware device. The function of these devices (and the differences between them) sheds some light on the functions of their corresponding OSI layers. This section describes how the following devices fit within the OSI model:

Repeaters. Operate at the OSI Physical layer
Bridges. Operate at the OSI Data Link layer
Routers (and brouters). Operate at the OSI Network layer

These devices are discussed in greater detail in Chapter 6. The network adapter (an all-important connectivity component that operates at the OSI Data Link layer) is discussed in Chapter 10, “Network Adapter Cards.”

Further Information

Repeaters
Bridges
Routers