Network Hardware
Computer Science: OCR A Level, topic 3.3.16
Network Hardware
We need a wide variety of different hardware to build an effective network.
Network Interface Controller (NIC)
- A NIC provides a connection between the device and the network.
- The NIC will take a different form based on the transmission media used. For example:
- The NIC will usually have an RJ45 port for wired networks.
- The NIC will have a radio transmitter/receiver for wireless networks.
- Nowadays, most NICs are built directly into the motherboard of a computer.
Switch
- A switch connects together several devices to form a wired network.
- Each computer on the network has its own unique address, called a Media Access Control (MAC) address.
- When data is sent on the network, it includes the sender and recipient address.
- The switch learns the MAC addresses of the devices connected to it, so that it can send the data to the intended destination only.
Router
- A router is a piece of hardware which connects networks together.
- Routers work by inspecting the destination Internet Protocol (IP) address of the data being sent, and determining if it belongs to the local network.
- If the data does not belong to the local network, it will be sent to the connected network.
Wireless Access Point (WAP)
- A WAP is a piece of hardware which connects to a switch and allows WiFi devices to connect to the network.
- WAPs broadcast an SSID (network name) so that wireless devices know which network to join.
- It is important that WAPs use encryption and authentication so that unauthorised individuals do not take advantage of the network.
Test yourself on Network Hardware
Which of the following are pieces of networking hardware?
Why is it important that a WAP uses encryption and authentication?