Which devices would typically be considered 'end hosts'?

End hosts are devices that serve as endpoints in a network, where data is either generated or consumed. These devices are typically involved in the communication process between users and applications. In this context, clients are devices such as computers, smartphones, or tablets that request resources or services over the network. Servers, on the other hand, provide those resources or services, hosting applications, data, or functionalities that clients access.

The identification of clients and servers as end hosts is critical in the realm of networking because they represent the primary interaction points for users in a networked environment. When users send requests—like accessing a website or connecting to a database—these requests originate from clients and are fulfilled by servers, illustrating precisely how end hosts operate in a network.

The other device types mentioned—such as switches, routers, hubs, gateways, firewalls, and access points—are all considered infrastructure devices. They facilitate the flow of data between end hosts but do not directly interact with end users in the same manner. While essential for network operations, these devices do not generate or consume data in the way that clients and servers do, hence they are not classified as end hosts.