hardware used to connect a LAN

• What is needed for every computer connecting to a network?

  A network interface card/controller (NIC)
• How are modern NICs typically designed?

  Integrated rather than physically separate
• What does an NIC use to determine connection rules?

  A set of rules or protocol
• What types of networks can an NIC connect to?

  Wired or wireless networks
• What is the function of a wireless access point?

  Connects wireless-enabled devices to a network
• What is a disadvantage of wireless connections compared to wired?

  Less bandwidth than a wired connection
• What security concern is associated with wireless networks?

  More security concerns than wired connections
• What is the primary function of a switch in a LAN?

  Send data between computers on a LAN
• How does a switch manage network traffic?

  By learning connected devices and forwarding traffic
• What is the role of a router in networking?

  Send data between networks
• What does a router create from multiple LANs?

  A wide area network (WAN)
• What is required to connect to a WAN?

  A router