NETWORK
DEVICES
Network Interface Cards (NICs)
NICs stands for "Network Interface
Cards" and is pronounced "nick." A
NIC is a component that provides
networking capabilities for a
computer. It may enable
a wired connection (such
as Ethernet) or
a wireless connection (such as Wi-
Fi) to a local area network.
TYPES OF NICs
• Wired NIC - These NICs have
input jacks made for cables.
Ethernet is the most popular
wired LAN technology.
• Wireless - NICs that use an
antenna provide wireless
reception through radio frequency
waves. The antenna communicates
with a wireless access point via the
RF waves. Wi-Fi connections use
[Link] wireless NICs.
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[Link]
• USB - These NICs provide network connections through a
device plugged into the USB port. USB NICs are ideal for
portable computers (e.g., laptops) and for devices that
don't already have built-in NICs.
NIC FUNCTION AND
CONFIGURATION
NIC FUNCTIONS
• Converts data into a digital signal.
• Supports both conventional and wireless
connections.
• Serves as a bridge between a computer and a data
network.
• Has a built-in MAC address to identify and
communicate with other devices.
• Determines network speed (e.g., 10 Mbps, 100
Mbps, 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps
NIC CONFIGURATION
NIC configuration is the process of setting up a computer's
Network Interface Card (NIC)—the hardware that connects it to
a network—by installing drivers, assigning network settings
including:
• IP Address/Subnet Mask/Gateway: Identifies your device on
the network.
• DNS: Translates domain names (like [Link]) to IP
addresses.
• Speed & Duplex: Data transfer rate (e.g., 1 Gbps) and
whether data flows both ways simultaneously (Full Duplex).
• MAC Address: A unique hardware identifier; can sometimes
be changed or "spoofed".
NIC CONFIGURATION
HUBS AND SWITCHES
FUNCTIONS
AND
DIFFERENCES
HUB
- A hub is a basic networking device in a computer that
connects multiple computers or network devices in a local
area network (LAN). It transmits data to all devices in the
network, regardless of the intended recipient, which can lead
to network inefficiencies.
[Link]
TYPES OF HUB:
Active Hub: An active hub re-transmits a signal as well as
strengthens it in order to transmit the signal to all devices attached to
it. It can enhance signal over a relatively larger distance as compared
to the coaxial cable.
Passive Hub: Passive hub just transmits the data packets to all
devices connected on it and does not help to amplify or regenerate
the signal. It solely depends on the network devices to further the
signals in good conditions.
Intelligent Hub: It is also referred to as a smart hub and it comes
with management features like network monitoring and diagnostics
whereby more control over the traffic and data can be provided.
SWITCH
- A switch is a more intelligent networking device that
connects devices within a LAN and uses MAC addresses
to direct data only to the specific device it is intended for,
reducing network congestion and improving
performance.
[Link]
[Link]
SWITCH TYPES:
MANAGED
VS.
UNMNAGED
Switch Types: Manage
Vs. Unmanaged
[Link]
THANK
YOU!
References:
[Link]
niccard-ccna-activity-7335910064488140800-q-Oy
https//[Link]/site/us/en/learn/topics/networking/what-is-
[Link]
[Link]