HARDWARE

HARDWARE

1. NICs, Switches, Routers

   • A Network Interface Controller (NIC) is an internal piece of hardware that allows a device to connect to a network.
   • Switches connect devices on a LAN. Switches receive data (in units called frames) from one device and transmit the data to the device on the network.
   • Routers are responsible for transmitting data between networks. They are always connected to at least two different networks.
     • Routers are used in homes and offices to connect the LAN to the Internet.

2. Cables

   • Ethernet cables are used to connect devices in a LAN.
     • The most common Ehternet cables are CAT 5e and CAT 6
   • Coaxial cables are made of single copper wire surrounded by a plastic layer for insulation and a metal mesh which provides shielding from outside interference.
   • Fibre optic cables transmit data as light. They are hgih performannce cables - they don't suffer interference and transmit over very large distances.

3. Wireless

   • Wireless networks use radio waves to transmit data.
   • To set up a wireless network, you need a Wireless Access Point (WAP)