Network Hardware

• Wireless Access Point (WAP)


  device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi
• Routers

  responsible for transmitting data between networks

  always connected to at least 2 different networks

  directs data in packets to their destination

  connects LAN to the internet
• Switches

  connect devices on LAN

  receives data and transmits data to device with correct MAC address
• Network Interface Controller (NIC)


  internal piece of hardware, connects to network

  built into motherboard

  used for wired and wireless connections
• Transmission media

  ethernet (wired) networks

  fibre optic

  copper cable - coaxial wires
• Ethernet (wired) network cable

  CAT5e, CAT6 (contains 4 copper wires twisted)
• Coaxial wires

  single insulated copper wire
• Fibre optic


  transmits data as light
• Air

  transmission media for wi-fi

  uses radio waves