Network Devices

Load Balancer

Distributes incoming network traffic across multiple backend servers.

VPN Concentrator

A dedicated device that handles a large number of VPN connections simultaneously.

WAF

Web Application Firewall. Filters and monitors HTTP traffic to and from web applications.

NGFW

Next-Generation Firewall. Traditional firewall with deep packet inspection and application awareness.

Proxy Server

An intermediary that forwards requests between clients and servers, hiding the client's identity.

Jump Server

A hardened server used to access and manage devices in a separate security zone.

Router

Forwards data packets between different networks based on IP addresses.

Switch

Connects devices within the same network and forwards data based on MAC addresses.

IPS

Intrusion Prevention System. Monitors network traffic and actively blocks malicious activity in real-time.

IDS

Intrusion Detection System. Monitors network traffic and alerts on suspicious activity but does NOT block it.

UTM

Unified Threat Management. An all-in-one security appliance combining firewall, IDS/IPS, antivirus, and spam filtering.

SD-WAN

Software-Defined Wide Area Network. A virtual WAN architecture that uses software to control connections between data centers and cloud services.

SASE

Secure Access Service Edge. A cloud-delivered security service that combines network and security functions (like VPN, firewall, and zero trust) into a single platform.

NAC

Network Access Control. A security solution that enforces policies on devices trying to access a network, such as checking for antivirus or up-to-date patches before granting access.

VPN Concentrator

A dedicated device that handles a large number of VPN connections simultaneously, authenticating users and encrypting traffic.

WAP

Wireless Access Point. A device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi.

Bridge

A device that connects two network segments together, filtering traffic based on MAC addresses.

Gateway

A network device that connects two different networks that use different protocols, often serving as the entry/exit point to another network (like a router connecting a LAN to the internet).