Networking Hardware "Network interface cards (NICs) are essential components that enable devices to connect to networks, including the intemet. This presentation will explore the characteristics and functions of both wired and wireless NICs. @ by Hasmukh GehlotWired Network Interface Cards Purpose ‘Anetwork interface card (NIC) is needed to allow a device to connect to a network (such as the internet Hardware Integration ttis usually partof the device hardware and contains the Media Access Control (MAC) address generated at the manufacturing stage.Wireless Network Interface Cards Similarities to Wired NICs Unique Features Wireless network interface cardsicontroles (WNICS) are the However, they use wireless connectivity utiising an antenna to ssame as NICs in that they are used to connect devices to the communicate with networks via microwaves. internet or other networks.WNIC Installation Methods qi G USB Connection Internal Integration They would normally plug into the or be part of an internal integrated USB port circuitMedia Access Control (MAC) AMAC addr interfaces, usually bumed into the harcware atthe factory. It's a 48-bit hexadecimal number, typically represented as six pairs of hexadecimal digits separated by hyphens. For example, 00-1C B3-4F-25-FF. Sis a unique identifier assigned to network ‘The firs six digits identity the manufacturer, and the last six cigits are the device's serial number. It's important to note that if the network interface card (NIC) is replaced, the MAC address will lso change.Types of MAC Addresses + Universally Administered MAC Address (UAA): Most common type of MAC addhess, set by the manufacturer at the factory. Rarely changed. + Locally Administered MAC Address (LAA): Used when a user or organization needs to change their MAC address. This can be useful for network management or bypassing network restriction.Internet Protocol (IP) Address When a device connects to a private network, a router assigns a private IP address to it. That IP address is unique on that network, but might be the same as an IP address on a separate network However, when a router connects tothe internet itis given a unique public IP aclress. This is usually supplied by the intemet service provider (ISP). No ‘ther device on the intemet has the same public IP address. All the devices ‘connected to that router have the same public IP address as the router but ‘each have their own different private IP addresses on that networkIPv4 vs IPv6é IPv4 IPvé Uses 32-bit addresses, written as four groups of eight bits. Uses 128-bit addresses, written as eight groups of hex digits Example: [Link] Example: |FB:7 AB8:[Link]:3D21:2085:66FB:FOFAMAC vs IP Addresses MAC Address Identifies the physical address of a device on the network. Unique foreach device onthe network. ‘Assigned by the manufacturer ofthe device ands pat ofthe NIC. IP Address Identifies the global address on the intemet. May not necessarily be unique. Dynamic IP addresses are assigned by ISP using DHCP each time the device connects tothe internet.Static vs Dynamic IP Addresses Static IP Addresses Dynamic IP Addresses + Permanently assigned + Assigned by ISP + Dorit change + Change everytime a device connects + Assigned by ISP + Using DHCPStatic vs Dynamic IP Addresses: Use Cases Dynamic IP Addresses Provide greater privacy since they change each time a user logs on. ‘Static IP Addresses Since static IP addresses don't change, they allow each device tobe fuly traceable, Dynamic IP Addresses Can be an issue when using VolP since this type of addressing is less reliable as itcan disconnect and change the IP address, causing the VoIP connection to fil Static IP Addresses Alow for faster upload and download speedsRouters a 8 Enable communication between different Convert data formats and protocols for Typically have an internet cable and networks, such as a LAN and a WAN. seamless communication between ‘multiple LAN cables connecting to network. devices.Router Functionality Firewall Protection Data Packet Inspection The firewall in a router acts as a security barrier, blocking Routers examine the data packet's destination IP address. unauthorized access. 1 2 3 Network Connection Routers connect private networks, allowing devices to ‘communicate within the network.