Endpoints and Media Types · Topic 3 of 5
Endpoint Devices
Learn what an endpoint is and describe common endpoint devices, including computers, mobile devices, IP phones, printers, servers and IoT devices.
- 4 min
- An endpoint is a device at the edge of the network, such as a computer, phone, printer or server.
- Mobile devices usually connect by Wi-Fi or cellular.
- An IP phone sends voice over IP and is often powered by PoE.
What it is
An endpoint is a device at the edge of a network that sends or receives data for a user or a service.
Endpoints are the things people actually use. Infrastructure devices such as switches and routers sit in the middle and move traffic between them.
Each endpoint needs a network connection, an IP address and usually a way to be managed. This page covers the six kinds named in the syllabus.
How it works
Every endpoint attaches to the network by cable or Wi-Fi, gets an address, and then plays its own role.
Computers
Desktops and laptops are the most common endpoints. People use them to browse, write documents and run business applications.
A computer can connect by Ethernet cable or by Wi-Fi. It usually gets its address from DHCP.
Mobile devices
Phones and tablets are mobile devices. They move around, so they mostly use Wi-Fi and cellular and switch between them.
They roam between access points as the user walks about. Organisations often use rules to decide which mobile devices may join the network.
IP phones
An IP phone sends voice as data over the network, which is called VoIP. It needs an IP address, and it needs a network that delivers voice without much delay.
Many IP phones are powered through the Ethernet cable by the switch, using PoE (Power over Ethernet). Most also have a second port, so a desk computer can plug into the phone and share one cable to the wall.
Printers
A network printer connects directly to the network by cable or Wi-Fi. Users send print jobs to its IP address or to a print server.
Printers are simple to forget. They still need updates and sensible settings, because they are devices on the network too.
Servers
A server is a computer that provides a service to other devices, which are called clients. Examples are web servers, file servers, mail servers and DHCP or DNS servers.
Servers need to be reachable and reliable, so they are normally connected by cable and often given a fixed address. This way, clients always know where to find them.
Internet of Things devices
IoT devices are everyday objects with a network connection. Examples are smart thermostats, cameras, door locks, light bulbs and sensors.
They are often small and simple, with little built in protection. Some ship with weak default passwords, and some are seldom updated.
| Endpoint | Typical connection | Typical address |
|---|---|---|
| Computer | Cable or Wi-Fi | DHCP |
| Mobile device | Wi-Fi or cellular | DHCP |
| IP phone | Cable, often with PoE | DHCP |
| Printer | Cable or Wi-Fi | DHCP or fixed |
| Server | Cable | Fixed |
| IoT device | Wi-Fi mostly | DHCP |
Good practice is to change default passwords, keep the software up to date, and keep IoT devices away from the computers that hold important data.
What to remember for the exam
Six facts cover most questions on this topic.
- An endpoint is a device at the edge of the network, such as a computer, phone, printer or server.
- Mobile devices usually connect by Wi-Fi or cellular.
- An IP phone sends voice over IP and is often powered by PoE.
- A server provides a service to clients and often has a fixed address.
- IoT devices are everyday objects with a network connection and often weak built in security.
- Switches and routers are infrastructure, not endpoints.
If the question mentions power through the network cable, think of PoE and a device such as an IP phone or camera.
Common mistakes
These four errors appear again and again.
Calling a switch an endpoint. A switch moves traffic. An endpoint is where traffic starts or ends.
Leaving IoT devices on default settings. Default passwords are widely known, so change them.
Forgetting that printers need updates. A network printer is a computer on the network and can be misused if it is left alone.
Giving servers changing addresses. A server is easier to find if its address does not change.
An IoT device often has little built in security. Treat it as less trusted than a normal computer.
Check yourself
Work through these three questions.
What does PoE do for an IP phone?
PoE powers the phone through the Ethernet cable, so it does not need a separate power supply.
What is a server?
A server is a computer that provides a service, such as web pages or file storage, to client devices.
Why are IoT devices a security concern?
They often have little built in security, such as weak default passwords, and may not be updated.
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