What is a NIC?
Network interface card
-> piece of hardware inside a device that allows it to connect to networks. (exist for wire and wireless)
What are switches and routers?
SWITCHES-> used to connect devices on LAN
ROUTERS -> transmit data between different networks, and connect to internet
What is the difference between what we call -routers- and actual routers?
-routers- include, a router, switch and WAP
What is a Fibre Optic Cable?
- transmits data as light.
- high performance and expensive
- don’t suffer interference
- can transmit over very long distances at high bandwidths without loss of quality
CAT 5e and CAT 6 (ethernet cables)
- contain pairs of copper wires twisted together (reduce internal interference)
- cheaper than fibre optic
- decent bandwidth
- commonly used in homes and offices (LAN)
coaxial cables
- single copper wire surrounded by plastic for insulation and metal mesh for shielding against outside interference
- v v cheap cause low bandwidth
What is the difference between WLAN and Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a specific family of Wireless Local Area Network protocols
What type of waves do wireless networks use?
radio waves
What do you need to set up a wireless network
a WAP (wireless access point) -> basically a switch that allows devices to connect
What are the benefits of wireless networks? (3)
- convenient (automatically connect, and move around while connected)
- cheaper and better for environment
- easy to add more users to wireless
Cons of wireless networks? (3)
- less secure than wired, access points visible everywhere including hackers
- distance from WAP, interference from other wireless networks & physical obstructions all reduce signal strength
- lower bandwidth and less reliable than wired
