Network Hardware_PK

Network Hardware_PK

1. Network Interface Card

   • Every device (node) on the network will require a Network Interface. This can be a dedicated card or an electronic chip integrated into the motherboard.
   • The purpose of a network interface card (NIC) is to provide a connection to the network.
   • Every NIC has a unique address hard-wired or into it i.e. configured in the hardware. This is called its Media Access Control or MAC address.

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. Each node will be connected to a single 'port' (like a socket for a plug) on the hub. So if you purchase an '8-port hub', you will be able to connect up to eight nodes together. 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.
   • ISSUES WITH HUBS: A network cable can only have one data packet in it at any instant. Using a hub to connect a network can be a security problem. This is because when a hub receives data it will forward it to every device it connects to

3. Switch

   • A switch has a number of ports and it stores the MAC addresses of all devices that are directly or indirectly connected to each port.
   • As a data packet comes into the switch, its destination (MAC) address is examined and a direct connection is made between the two machines. This makes the network much more efficient. On the other hand, a switch is more expensive than a simple hub. So it tends to be used in high bandwidth, high performance networks.

4. Router

5. Cables

6. WAP

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