End-to-end devices are devices where communication starts or ends in a network.
👉 These devices send, receive, or process data, but they do NOT forward traffic like routers or switches.
📤 Sender device OR 📥 Receiver device = End Device
Act as a source or a destination of data
Used directly by users 👨💻
Assigned an IP address 🌍
Communicate using protocols (HTTP, FTP, SMTP). 📡
Can act as Client, Server, or both
Definition:
A general-purpose computing device used to access networks and applications.
Role in Network:
Mostly acts as a client
Sends requests to servers
Examples:
Browsing websites 🌐
Office work 📄
Accessing company server 🏢
Definition:
A portable computer with built-in Wi-Fi capability.
Role:
Client device
Connects via Wi-Fi or LAN cable
Example:
Laptop connected to office Wi-Fi → accessing company portal.
Definition:
Handheld devices capable of Wi-Fi and mobile data (4G/5G).
Role:
Client device
Can act as a hotspot 🔥
Examples:
WhatsApp messaging 💬
Online payments 💳
Video calls 📹
Definition:
A powerful computer that provides services to other devices.
Role:
Acts as Server
Always ON 🔌
Handles multiple client requests
Types:
Web Server 🌐
File Server 📁
Mail Server 📧
Database Server 🗄
Example:
Browser → Requests Google → Google Server Responds
Definition:
Smart devices connected to the internet that collect & exchange data automatically.
Examples:
Smart TV 📺
Smart Watch ⌚
CCTV Camera 🎥
Smart Bulb 💡
Sensors 🌡
Role:
Sender, receiver, or both
Communicate with cloud servers ☁️
| Client | Server |
|---|---|
| Requests service | Provides service |
| Depends on server | Independent |
| Example: PC, Mobile | Example: Web Server |
| Not always ON | Always ON |
Mobile + Laptop + Smart TV
⬇
Connected to Wi-Fi Router
⬇
Each is an end device.
Do NOT route traffic
Generate or consume data
Identified by IP & MAC address
Examples: PC, Mobile, Server, IoT
End-to-end devices are network devices that act as the source or destination of data.
