Understanding the hardware needed to connect stand-alone computers into a Local Area Network

• What is a Local Area Network (LAN)?

  A network in a small area
• What are the two main types of technologies used for communication in a LAN?

  Cabling and wireless
• What technical expertise is required for LAN management?

  Network administration
• A Local Area Network (LAN) operates within a limited geographical area
• One advantage of a LAN is the sharing of resources like printers and files
• Match the network hardware component with its purpose:

  Network Interface Card (NIC) ↔️ Allows a computer to physically connect to the network

  Router ↔️ Connects multiple networks and routes data

  Switch ↔️ Connects multiple devices on a single LAN

  Access Point ↔️ Provides wireless connectivity to a LAN
• What is the primary function of a router in a LAN?

  Connects multiple networks
• A NIC provides the physical interface required to establish a wired or wireless connection
• Arrange the following LAN hardware components in the order they are used to enable wireless communication:

  1️⃣ Network Interface Card (NIC)

  2️⃣ Access Point

  3️⃣ Router
• What does a Network Interface Card (NIC) enable a device to do?

  Connect to a network
• One key function of a NIC is sending and receiving data packets over the network


  True
• Network cables provide the physical medium through which data is transmitted in a wired network


  True
• Hubs and switches are used to connect multiple devices within a LAN


  True
• Switches offer better network performance compared to hubs

  True
• A router determines the best path for data to travel between connected networks


  True
• What is the defining characteristic of a LAN?

  Limited geographical area
• LANs use dedicated servers to manage resources and user access.


  True
• Match the advantages and disadvantages of a LAN:

  Sharing of resources ↔️ Centralized data management

  High initial setup cost ↔️ Requires technical expertise

  Faster communication speeds ↔️ Maintenance and administration overhead
• A router connects multiple LANs and routes data between them.

  True
• What are the key functions of a NIC?

  Sending and receiving data packets
• What is the primary purpose of network cables in a wired network?

  Transmit data
• What are hubs and switches used for in a LAN?

  Connecting multiple devices
• What is the primary role of a router in a LAN?

  Enable communication between networks
• One disadvantage of a LAN is its high initial cost
• What type of connection does a wired NIC use?

  Ethernet cable
• A NIC converts data between the computer's internal format and the format required by the network.


  True
• What type of connection does a wired NIC use?

  Ethernet cable
• Match the connection type with its NIC function:

  Wired (Ethernet) ↔️ Connects via Ethernet cable

  Wireless (Wi-Fi) ↔️ Connects using Wi-Fi signals
• Order the different types of NICs based on their common use cases:

  1️⃣ PCI/PCIe NICs for desktop computers

  2️⃣ USB NICs for laptops and mobile devices

  3️⃣ Integrated NICs built into the motherboard
• Match the cable type with its key advantage:

  Ethernet ↔️ High-speed data transfer

  Fiber Optic ↔️ Extremely high bandwidth

  Coaxial ↔️ Affordable and shielded
• A switch forwards data only to the intended recipient based on MAC addresses


  True
• What is the primary role of a router in a LAN?

  Enable communication between networks
• Routers often incorporate firewall functionality to protect the LAN from threats


  True
• What is a Local Area Network (LAN)?

  Connects computers within a limited area
• LANs require ongoing maintenance and administration, which can be costly.

  True
• What does a Network Interface Card (NIC) allow a computer to do?

  Connect to the network
• What is the primary purpose of an access point in a LAN?

  Wireless connectivity
• Match the connection type with its NIC function:

  Wired (Ethernet) ↔️ Connects via Ethernet cable

  Wireless (Wi-Fi) ↔️ Connects using Wi-Fi signals
• Ethernet cables are commonly used in LAN setups.
• A switch forwards data based on MAC addresses.