Network Hardware

Network Hardware

1. NIC (NETWORK INTERFACE CONTROLLER)

   • They used to be on separate cards
   • They are now built into the motherboard
   • NICs are both wired and wireless

2. SWITCHES

   • Connect devices on a LAN
   • Receive data called in units called frames from one device and transmit data to the device on the network with the correct MAC address

3. ROUTERS

   • Responsible for transmitting data between networks - connected to at least 2 different networks
   • Routers have a crucial role on the internet, directing data (in units called packets) to their destination
   • Routers are used in homes and offices to connect the LAN to the internet