Network Hardware_PK

Network Hardware_PK

1. Network Interface Card

   • The purpose of a network interface card (NIC) is to provide a connection to the network (either wired or wireless).
   • 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

   • A hub is a hardware device that allows nodes (computers) to be linked together and exchange data.
     • Every node on a wired network is connected to the hub by a cable.
       • Data is moved around the network in the form of data 'packets'. A data packet is a small chunk of data that has a destination address included.
         • A network cable can only have one data packet in it at any instant.

3. Switch

4. Router

5. Cables

6. WAP

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