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This lesson covers the key hardware components used in computer networks: NICs, switches, routers, hubs, wireless access points (WAPs), firewalls, repeaters, bridges, and gateways. Understanding the role of each device is essential for the OCR H446 specification.
A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component that allows a device to connect to a network.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Function | Provides a physical interface between the device and the network medium |
| Types | Wired (Ethernet, RJ45 port) and wireless (WiFi adapter) |
| MAC address | Each NIC has a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address, a 48-bit hardware address |
| Location | Built into motherboards or added as a separate card |
A MAC address is 48 bits, written as 6 pairs of hexadecimal digits:
00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E
A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple devices in a star topology.
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