network hardware

define NIC

(network interface card) a hardware component that allows a computer to connect it to a network

what is a MAC address

(Media Access control address) a unique hardware address given to the NIC when it is made

it never changes, 48 bits long, writing in hexadecimal first half is made up in manufacturing code and the other in serial code

what is the purpose of a MAC address

identify a decice in a local network

define IP address

(internet protocol address) An logical address given to a device so it can communicate on a network

the ip address can be changed

what are the types of ip address

static IP address

dynamic IP address

what is static IP address

address that stays the same, it is manually set and used for servers, printers etc.

what is a dynamic IP address

an address that changes each time the device connects

it is usually given by a HHCP server

what are the characteristics of IPv4

32 bit address

writing in dotted decimal

limited number of address

waht are the characteristics of IPv6

128 bit address

written in hexadecimal

much more larger address space

waht is a router

device that sends data between networks using a IP address

what are the key point of the router

sends data to the correct destination

connects a LAN to the internet

assign IP address using DCHP