Network Hardware

Network Hardware

1. NIC Network Interface Controller

   • A hardware component required to connect any device to a network
   • Wired and wireless versions are available
   • Nearly all new computers have a NIC built directly into the motherboard
   • Required to connect to any network enabled device

2. Switches

   • Used to connect devices on a LAN
   • Receives data packets and forwards them to the correct device using their individual MAC (media access control) address
   • If a packet is destined for a computer in a LAN, it will typically be routed to a switch

3. Routers

   • Directs packets from one router to another between start and end points on a network
   • Connects devices to a WAN, for example, the internet
   • Acts as a note and packets are passed from router to router to their destination

4. Cables

   • Ethernet uses wires
   • Twisted pair cables contain four pairs of copper wires which are twisted together to reduce internal interference
   • Coxial cables are made of a single copper wire surrounded by a plastic layer of insulation and a metallic mesh which provides shielding from outside interference
   • Fibre optic cables transmit data as light. They are high performance and expensive cables meaning they do not suffer interference and can transmit over very large distances without loss of signal quality

5. WAP Wireless Access Point

   • Creates a wireless network using radio waves through which a WiFi enabled device can connect to communicate with the network or the internet.