By combining different types of traffic on a single network connection, small and medium-sized businesses and small branch offices can dramatically reduce the costs of their voice and data networks. Device that enables a computer to connect to other computers and networks using ordinary phone lines. A remote-access server can allow users to dial into a network using a single phone number. The server then finds an open channel and makes a connection without returning a busy signal. Device that moves data between different network segments and can look into a packet header to determine the best path for the packet to travel.
Routers can connect network segments that use different protocols.
See also client . A device that improves network performance by segmenting the network and reducing competition for bandwidth. When a switch port receives data packets, it forwards those packets only to the appropriate port for the intended recipient. This further reduces competition for bandwidth between the clients, servers, or workgroups connected to each switch port. Runs at 4 or 16 Mbps.