1.3.1 Network Hardware OCR

​Paper 1 - Networks
> Network Hardware

​Answers

1.3.1 Network Hardware

Lesson Objectives

Network Hardware

• Understand all networked devices require Network Interface Cards ​

• Explain that routers connect devices to a WAN and switches / hubs connect LANs​

• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of various transmission media​

• Explain the need for Wireless Access Points (WAP) to create wireless hotspot

​Turn & Talk

​What hardware do we need to create a network?
List as many pieces of hardware needed to create a network you can think of. Look around the room for ideas. Think of your network at home.

​Person A: To create a network we need....
Person B: I agree / would like to build on / would like to challenge...

Open Ended

What hardware do we need to create a network?

What is the purpose of each piece of hardware?

​Network Interface Controller / Card (NIC)

• 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.

Switch

A switch manages the flow of data within a network, e.g. from one network device to another within a LAN.

They ensure data is sent only to the right device by using its “MAC Address” which identifies a specific device on a network.

Router

When a network needs to be connected to another network over a Wide Area Network a router is needed.

A router forwards messages from one network to another. (think of it like a mail person)

A common job of a router is to join a network to the internet.

Router

• Forward/sending/transmitting packets

• Identify the most efficient path to the destination

• Assign IP addresses to nodes/devices

• Converts packets from one protocol to another.

Multiple Choice

Which one describes a network switch?

• A network switch is a device that connects devices in a LAN and forwards data based on MAC addresses.
• A network switch is a type of router used for network security

• A network switch is a device that connects devices in a WAN and forwards data based on IP addresses.
• A network switch is a device that amplifies signals in a network.

Multiple Choice

Which one describes a network router?

• A device that connects computers to a printer.
• A software application for managing emails.
• A type of network cable used for connections.
• A device that forwards data packets between networks.

Transmission Media

• Copper cable

• Fibre optics

• Wi-Fi

​How is data transmitted in each method?

Copper Cable

• Data is transmitted as electrical signals.

• The electrical pulses represent binary data (0s and 1s).

• Examples include Ethernet cables (e.g., twisted pair cables).

• Might already be installed in rural areas for telephone networks

2. Fibre Optics

• Data is transmitted as light signals (pulses of light).

• The light signals travel through a glass or plastic core.

• Faster and more reliable over long distances compared to copper cables.

3. WiFi

• Data is transmitted as radio waves through the air.

• The router sends and receives signals using specific frequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

• Can be affected by interference from walls and other electronic devices.

Categorize

Options (14)

Relatively inexpensive

Very fast data transmission

No need for wires

Good for short distances

Can carry electrical signals

More susceptible to interference

Commonly used in residential wiring

Lower bandwidth compared to fibre optics

Allows for mobility and flexibility

Can connect multiple devices simultaneously

Signal strength can vary based on distance from the router

Security can be a concern without proper encryption

Installation is generally easier than wired connections

No signal loss over long distances

Organize these options into the right categories

Copper Cable

Fibre Optic Cable

Wi-Fi

​✅ Converts wired signals to wireless signals.
✅ Allows multiple devices to connect at once.

​Wireless Access Point

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