Network hardware

• Network interface controller (NIC)

  • allows devices connect to network wired or wirelessly
  • Every computer needs this
  • Usually built into motherboard
• Switch

  • Receives and transmits data between devices on LAN using MAC addresses
• Transmission media

  • Wired or wireless radio waves allow data transmission between devices
• Router

  • Transmits data between networks by directing data as packets to their destination
  • Most ‘Routers’ are routers, switch, WAP all in one
  • Cannot connect to WAN without router
• Packet switching

  • Files broken up into smaller chunks
• Wireless access point (WAP)

  • Allows devices connect to network wirelessly
  • Similar to switch