Networks Lesson 3 - Network Hardware

Networks Lesson 3 - Network Hardware

LAN Hardware

To connect a computer or device to a network, a number of hardware components are required:

a network interface controller

(NIC) or wireless network interface controller a transmission medium, either wired or wireless a point to connect to, such as a router, hub, switch or wireless access point

Network interface controllers

A network interface controller (NIC) provides a method of connecting to a network. A NIC offers an interface port for a wired connection. A wireless NIC provides a radio transceiver for connecting wirelessly.

Most modern PCs come with a NIC and wireless NIC built in, providing the option of either connection method.

However, mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones and many embedded devices only feature a wireless NIC, giving only wireless connection.

Transmission media

Transmission media carry data signals from one computer to another. Media are either wired or wireless.

In modern networks, wired media use either twisted copper wiring, or fibre-optic cable. Each wired medium has differing characteristics.

Wired connections are reliable and not usually subject to interference. However, they limit mobility - a wired device usually has to stay in place.

Wireless connections use radio waves to carry signals.

These signals are limited in range (usually up to 50 metres), but are subject to magnetic interference - they can also be blocked by walls. However, they are ideal for mobile devices as a device can connect to a network as long as it is in the range of a wireless access point.

Multiple Choice

What does NIC stand for?

• Network Interface Computer
• Network Interface Card
• Network Intercom Controller
• Network Interface Controller

Multiple Choice

What are most NICs built into nowadays?

• The CPU
• The ROM
• The RAM
• A PC's motherboard

Multiple Choice

Why do NICs do?

• Allow devices to control one another
• Allow devices to connect to a printer
• Allows devices to interface with one another
• Allow devices to connect to a network

Multiple Choice

Which of these is true about peer-to-peer networks?

• They are illegal

• Resources are not held on a central server

• They are mainly used on the 'dark web'

• They are only used with a home hub.

Network connection device

A network connection device allows computers to connect to a network. There are four types of connection device to consider:

hubs switches wireless access points routers

• Hubs
• Switches
• Routers
• Wireless Access Points

Hubs continued...

Hubs have no knowledge of the devices connected.

Any signal (traffic) that arrives at the hub is transmitted to all connected computers.

This affects network performance as many unnecessary signals are transmitted across its connections.

Switches

Switches are similar to hubs, with one important difference - a switch records which computers are connected to which ports.

When traffic is received, the switch forwards the traffic to its intended recipient only.

This improves network performance by cutting down on unnecessary transmissions.

Hub vs Switches

A hub broadcasts messages to all devices on the network. A switch sends the message to the intended recipient only.

Wireless Access Point

A wireless access point uses a radio transceiver to allow wireless connections to a network.

In effect, the Wireless access point creates its own wireless network, which devices connect to.

It then sends wireless traffic it receives onto the main wired network.

They can also be used to extend the range of a wireless network. In this case the wireless access point can either receive and transmit traffic to other wireless access points or it can be connected via a cable to the main network.

Routers

Routers are one of the most commonly used connection devices. They are used to send data signals across the internet.

Routers work by collecting knowledge of available routes to transmit data. They then determine the most suitable route for sending data.

Routers are also commonly used in homes. These types of router usually contain a hub and a wireless access point, enabling a small peer-to-peer network to be formed. Additionally, they contain a modem, which allows users to connect to the internet.

Multiple Choice

Which of these is a benefit of virtual network?

• They have a higher level of security than other remote connections
• There is no need for any hardware to connect a computer to a network
• They stop any errors occurring in the transmission of data in a network
• There is no need for any software to connect a computer to a network

Multiple Choice

What is meant by a virtual network?

• Controlling computers and devices remotely using the internet
• A network that is built using only wireless connection points
• A network that is used only to share software
• A network that is controlled by a central server

Multiple Choice

What is meant by a data packet?

• The data a computer needs to connect to a network
• A connection point in a network that allows data to be shared
• A unit of data that travels along a network
• The number of error found in data when it has been transmitted

Multiple Choice

Which if these terms refers to the maximum rate at which data can be transferred?

• Transmission media
• Bandwidth
• Error detection
• Packet switching

Multiple Choice

What is meant by latency in the performance of a network?

• The number of errors that are found in a data packet after transmission
• The maximum rate that data can be transferred at
• The route a packet takes when it is being transmitted
• The amount of time data takes to travel from the source to the destination

Multiple Choice

Which type of transmission media is the least expensive to manufacture? (6-9)

• Twisted pair cable
• Plastic
• Coaxial
• Fibre optic

Multiple Choice

Question 10: Which of these components is internal to a computer and is required

to connect the computer to a network? (1-4)

• Wireless Access Point

• Network Interface card

• Switch

• Hub

Multiple Choice

Question 4: Which of these statements is true? (3-6)

• A client-server network has a central computer that provides services to the rest of the network

• A client-server network is cheap and easy to set up

• A client-server network cannot be used to share files

• Each computer on a client-server network is maintain separately

Multiple Choice

Question 2: Which of these is a characteristic of a LAN? (3-6)

• It covers a wide geographical area

• Computers are connected together using a leased line or a satellite

• Users can share files and peripherals

• Data can only be transmitted at a very slow rate

Multiple Choice

Question 1: What is a standalone computer? (1-4)

• A computer that is not connected to a network

• A computer that is being used as a server

• A computer that does not have any peripherals attached to it

• A computer that is used by only one person

Multiple Choice

I am the fastest type of transmission media used in a wired network - what am I?

• Twisted pair
• Cat or ethernet cable
• Twin and earth cable
• Fibre optic cable

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of a router?

• Takes information that arrives through your broadband signal via modem, deciphers it, and delivers it to your computer by directing packets.
• Allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using radio waves. They convert data received through cables into a wireless signal and vice versa.

Multiple Choice

Which device is not intelligent as it sends data to all computers on a network which causes a reduction in network speed?

• Switch
• Router
• Hub
• Network Interface Card (NIC)

Multiple Choice

Which network hardware is said to be intelligent as it can send data to the intended computer and not every computer

• Hub

• Switch

• Bridge

• Repeater