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Network Hardware

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26 views4 pages

Network Hardware

Uploaded by

ameenacandling
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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NETWORK HARDWARE

1.Understand that a computer needs a network interface card (NIC) to


access a network

Definition of Network Interface


card (NIC):

● A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a


hardware component that allows a
computer to connect to a network.
● It can be either built into the
motherboard or added as an
expansion card.
● The NIC provides the physical
interface for network communication, converting data from the computer into a
format that can be transmitted over a network and vice versa.
● These can be wired or wireless.

2.Understand what is meant by and the purpose of a media access control


(MAC) address, including its structure

Definition of MAC Address:

● A MAC (Media Acce ss Control) address is a uniqu


e identifier assigned to a network interface card (NIC) for communications on a ne
twork.
● Each MAC address is made up of 12 hexadecimal digits, usually formatted as six p
airs separated by hyphens.
● This helps in managing and securing network traffic.
Types of MAC Address

Locally Administered Universally Administered

A MAC address you can manually set. A MAC address assigned by the device
Replaces the original, factory manufacturer.
set MAC address. Each UAA is unique to ensure no two de
Useful for network management, vices have the same address.
testing, or privacy. Typically hardcoded into the device and
Gives you more control over network not meant to be changed.
configurations.
3.

Changing a MAC address using a locally administered MAC address (LAA) can be
useful for several reasons:

● Privacy: Helps protect your device from being tracked on public networks.

● Network Management: Allows network administrators to manage and organize


devices more effectively.
● Testing: Useful for testing network configurations without affecting the original
MAC address.
● Bypassing Restrictions: Can help bypass network restrictions or filters based on
MAC addresses.

3. Understand what is meant by and the purpose of an internet protocol


(IP) address (b) Understand that there are different types of IP address

Definition of IP Address:

● An IP address is like a unique ID for a device on a network.

● It allows devices to communicate with each other over the internet.

● Usually written as four sets of numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.1.1).

● There are two main types—IPv4 (e.g.192.168.1.1) and IPv6


(e.g.0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).
Versions of IP Address

IP V4 IP V6
Address Length: 32 bits long. Address Length: 128 bits long.
Format: Written as four sets of numbe Format: Written as eight groups of
rs separated by periods (e.g., 192.168. four hexadecimal digits separated by
1.1). ● colons (e.g.,
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:
Address Space: About 4.3 billion uniq 7334).
●
ue addresses. Address Space: Virtually unlimited
Usage: Most common, but running out addresses.
of available addresses. Usage: Designed to replace IPv4,
Example:
4 Describe the role192.168.0.1 supports more devices.
of a router in a network

Example:
Purpose of IP Address:

● Unique Identifier: Acts as a unique ID for your device on a network.


● Communication: Allows devices to send and receive data over the internet.
● Routing: Helps direct data to the correct destination.
● Location: Identifies the location of a device on a network.
● Access: Enables access to websites and online services.
Types of IP Address

Static Dynamic
Permanent: Doesn't change over Temporary: Changes periodically.
time. Automatic Assignment: Assigned by a D
Consistent: Ideal for servers and HCP
devices
● that need a constant address. (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) ser
Manual Configuration: Usually set ver.
up●manually by a network Flexibility: Suitable for general use, like h
administrator. ome networks.
Reliability: Provides a stable CostEffective: Easier to manage and mor
connection for hosting websites or e
services. cost-effective for ISPs.
Example: 192.168.0.1

4. Describe the role of a router in a network

Definition of router:
A router is a device that connects different networks together and directs data
between them.
It acts like a traffic cop, making sure data gets sent to the right destination.
For example, it connects your home devices to the internet and ensures that your
emails, web pages, and other data reach the correct places.

Role of routers in networking:

● Directing Traffic: It routes data packets between devices and networks, ensuring t
hey reach the
correct destination.
● Connecting Networks: Links different networks together, such as connecting your
home network to the internet.

Working of routers in data transmission :

● When you send data over the internet, it’s broken down into small chunks called
packets.
● Each packet has a destination IP address, like a home address, to ensure it reaches
the right place.
● Within a local network, data is sent to the switch.

● Each switch is connected to multiple devices of different MAC addresses to identify


each device.
● If the MAC address doesn’t match any device connected to the switch, it passes on
to another switch on the same network until the appropriate device is found.
● The router uses a routing table to determine the best path for each packet to
reach its destination.
● The router forwards the packets from one network to another, based on the
routing table.
● If needed, the router translates private IP addresses to public ones for internet
communication.
● It manages network traffic to ensure efficient data flow and avoid congestion.

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