What are network endpoints?

Endpoints are client or server devices that connect to the network, not typically the routers that facilitate connectivity to a service provider network.

Network endpoints, such as laptops, servers, smartphones, and IoT devices, serve as entry points for potential threats into the network. If these endpoints are compromised by malware, unauthorized access, or vulnerabilities, they can be exploited by attackers to gain access to sensitive data or launch further attacks within the network, posing a critical security risk.

While endpoints require and utilize inter-VLAN connectivity, they do not inherently provide or 'support' this functionality; switches and routers handle inter-VLAN routing.

Network endpoints consume policies but do not enforce policies for campus-wide internet traffic; network devices like firewalls and access control systems perform that function.