NIC- Network interface controller is a device additionally added to the motherboard to connect to a network. This was used in older times, but nowdays motherboard by default has a port for ethernet. But in case you want to use serivces like N computing you will need an NIC provided by the N computing intself.

ACCESS POINT- It is a device that enables wireless devices to connect to a network by creating a WLAN.

REPEATER- It is a device that amplifies or regenerates the signal to extend the range/strength of network.

HUB- Used to connect multiple devices in a LAN. Works on physical layer, broadcasting technology. It do not check the destination port.

Active Hub- Amplifies the signal before passing on further.
Passive Hub- Allow singal to pass from one to another without any change.

SWITCH- This is basically enhanced form of Hub. It is more secure and works more efficiently as less data loss happens as compared to when using HUB. Works on data link layer, multicastin/unicast technology. It can additionally directs data traffic between devices.

ROUTER- for a practical knowledge you can see this as a single combination of access point, gateway and switch.

BRIDGE- This connects multiple LANs together to form a larger LAN.

GATEWAY- Used to connect teo dissimilar network architecture. eg. LAN and WAN It establishes intelligent connection between local and external network. Works on transport layer, provide service to all other 7 layers. Also called protocol converter, proxy server.  Ex- RuPay, Mastercard, any payment gateway...

MODEM- Converts digital signals to analog signals and vice versa, allowing devices to connect to internet through a phone or cable line.

The important thing to be noted here is that, it's not mandatory that a device you use in real life or avaialable in the market has only one of the above features. In most of the cases a device has more than 2 features of what we seen above. Like if you are have a airtel extreme fiber broadband service installed at your home or office, the device installed at your place has many in-built features of what we seen above. Like the device you would be calling as wifi/router/modem has the ability to do the task of
Modem- as it converts analog siginals coming through fiber optic to digital and vice versa.
Gateway- it connects WAN to LAN, allows you to connect to the external network <outside your LAN> (internet)
Switch- you can connect multiple devices through LAN port on the device, and you can communicate between those devices even without having active internet connection.
Access Point- It transmits wifi signals so that you can use internet on your device without carrying a physical wire all along.

Now, let's have a close look at some more terms used above:
Broadcast- communication from one to many. without any restriction, meant anyone can access it. eg. news, cricket match.
Multicast- communication from one to many. but with some restrictions. eg. paid streaming platforms
Unicast- communication between one to one. eg. mails and e-mails...
Telecast- transmission of recorded video. eg. TV serial and movies on TV channels.
Podcast- transmission of audio. eg. radio.
Webcast- transmission of audio or video over internet. eg. any form of content you watch online.

Now the important thing to be noted here is, it is not mandatory that the content you consume has been brought to you using only a single service of what you seen above. Meant if you are watching a live cricket match on hotstar, it has gone through: multicast and webcast...