Network access devices

• Internet service providers usually supply a network access device to domestic customers, making it as simple as possible to connect home devices to the internet.
• Network access devices typically contain a wireless access point (WAP), a router, a modem, and a switch. The switch will usually have between two and four ports, labelled 'LAN' or 'Ethernet'; these can be used to connect devices using UTP cable.
• The connector to the telephone line is usually labelled 'broadband' or 'internet'. There may also be a port labelled WAN. This is used if a separate modem is needed, and for other types of network connection.
• Network access devices can also control access to a network using the MAC addresses of the devices that are trying to connect to that network. A list of approved devices is maintained on the network access device, and the access device will only allow connections from devices with approved MAC addresses. If a device has a MAC address that isn't listed and it attempts to connect to the access device, the access device will deny the connection.