Network Hardware_PK

Network Hardware_PK

1. Network Interface Card

   • Connects a device to the network(wired or wireless)
     • Each NIC has a MAC address .-Every NIC has a unique address hard-wired or 'burned' into it i.e. configured in the hardware. The MAC address means every node on the network can be uniquely identified so that data is sent to the correct place. MAC addresses are stored as a 12 digit hexadecimal number

2. Hub

3. Switch

   • Add screenshot of hub vs switch table in here

4. Router

   • A router is a device that transfers data packets, by the most efficient route, from one network to another i.e. between networks.
     • When a data packet arrives, the router does the following:- Reads the data packet's destination address ,Looks up all the paths it has available to get to that address ,Checks on how busy each path is at the moment ,Sends the packet along the least congested (fastest) path
   • Other tasks the router can perform: Exchange protocol information across networks Filter traffic - helps prevent unauthorised intrusion by malware

5. Cables

   • An ethernet cable is made up of a set of four 'twisted pair' copper wires enclosed in a plastic sleeve with a standard network plug on the end. Data is carried through the cables by means of electrical signals.
     • For truly high bandwidth connections, then fibre optic cable is used. Fibre optic cables are made up of many glass fibres held together inside a sheath. They use light signals to transport the data, often over a long distance. Fibre-optic cables can be used to connect two or more local area networks, for example, two buildings on an university campus. Also, the main data routes for the internet (known as the 'backbone') use fibre-optic cables to carry data. The downside of this technology is that fibre optic cable is a lot more expensive than Ethernet cable.

6. WAP

   • If you want to connect Wi-Fi devices to a wired network, you need a wireless access point (WAP).
     • WAPs are very commonly found in public areas such as airports, cafes and offices.
       • Extra nodes can easily be added enabling more people to use the network. And unlike a wired network, no building work is required to add those extra nodes i.e. no holes need to be drilled in walls for cables.
     • Extra nodes can easily be added enabling more people to use the network. And unlike a wired network, no building work is required to add those extra nodes i.e. no holes need to be drilled in walls for cables.