1.4 Wired and Wireless Networks (Hardware to connect to a LAN) Flashcards
What’s the role of a Network Interface Controller (NIC)
Every computer connected to a network needs a Network Interface Controller (NIC), sometimes referred to a Network Interface Card.
A NIC can connect to a wireless or wired connection
The NIC uses a protocol, a set of rules that govern how communication between the device and the connected media or wireless should happen
What’s the role of a Wireless Access Point (NIC)
A NIC allows a Wi-Fi device to connect to a wired network.
The WAP usually connects to a router (via a wired network) as a standalone device, but it can also be an integral component of the router itself.
What’s the role of a switch?
A switch sends data between computer on a LAN, they effectively segment the network by only sending traffic to the correct device or another switch
They learn where the devices are on the network by reading the ‘from’ address from every packet they receive.
If they recognise the ‘to’ address, they can route the data package to the correct connection.
If not they will broadcast the packet to all connections.
Switches very quickly learn which computers are connected and are able to build a internal index
What’s the role of a Router?
A router sends a data between networks, creating a WAN from a number of LANs
You cannot cannot connect to a WAN (eg internet) without a router.
Unlike a switch, that uses a NIC address to route traffic, a router uses an IP address (Internet Protocol)
Copper Cables
Connections between desktop controllers in a switch or router is usually achieved with a wired connection. This insures maximum bandwidth, security and reliability.
the wired connection is made up of pairs of wires twisted around each other to reduce interference.
Theres normally a set of wires for transmission and a set of wires to receive data.
These copper cables are referred to as a twisted pair
