Scribd
Upload
9 views4 pages

Network Hardware

The document explains the functions and types of network hardware, specifically focusing on Network Interface Cards (NICs) and their unique MAC addresses. It details the differences between Locally Administered Addresses (LAA) and Universally Administered Addresses (UAA), as well as the significance of IP addresses, including static and dynamic types. Additionally, it highlights the role of routers in connecting networks and directing data packets.

Uploaded by

thinuperera903
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
9 views4 pages

Network Hardware

The document explains the functions and types of network hardware, specifically focusing on Network Interface Cards (NICs) and their unique MAC addresses. It details the differences between Locally Administered Addresses (LAA) and Universally Administered Addresses (UAA), as well as the significance of IP addresses, including static and dynamic types. Additionally, it highlights the role of routers in connecting networks and directing data packets.

Uploaded by

thinuperera903
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Network hardware

Network interface card (NIC)


Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component that allows a computer or device to connect to a
network and communicate with other devices.

Each NIC has a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address, which is essential for data routing in local area
networks (LANs).

Media Access Control (MAC) Address


A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier assigned to the Network Interface Card (NIC) of a
device.

Format of a MAC Address:


• 48-bit Address represented in 6 groups of 2 hexadecimal digits, separated by colons (:) or hyphens ( -).
• Example: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E or 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E
The first 3 groups represent the manufacturer’s code, identifying the manufacturer. The last 3 groups are the
device serial number, making the MAC address unique to each device.

Types of MAC address


1. Locally Administered Address (LAA):
• A MAC address manually assigned by the user or administrator (instead of the default, factory-
set address).
2. Universally Administered Address (UAA):
• The default, factory-assigned MAC address, hardcoded by the device manufacturer.
• Most devices operate with this address unless it is overridden by an LAA.

The reasons why the MAC address needs to be changed using LAA
1. Some mainframe systems require that all connected devices have MAC addresses in a specific format
to function properly.
2. To bypass a MAC address filter on a router or firewall, a device’s MAC address may need to be changed
to match the required format; otherwise, the device will be blocked.
3. To bypass network restrictions, a device's MAC address may need to be changed to imitate an
unrestricted address; otherwise, it won't be allowed access.

Internet protocol (IP) address


An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a
computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.

1|Page
Types of IP Addresses
1. IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4)
• IPv4 is based on 32 bits and the address is written as four groups of eight bits (shown in denary
format)

E.g.: 254.25.28.77
2. IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)
• This uses 128-bit addresses that take the form of eight groups of hex digits;

E.g.: A8FB:7A88:FFF0:0FFF:3D21:2085:66FB:F0FA

Q…

What are the main advantages of IPv6 compared to IPv4?

✓ removes the risk of IP address collisions


✓ has built-in authentication checks
✓ allows for more efficient packet routes.

Differences between MAC address and IP address

2|Page
Static and dynamic IP addresses

Static IP Address
A static IP address is a permanently assigned IP address that does not change over time. It is manually
configured and remains the same until it is manually changed, assigned to a device by the internet service
provider (ISP)

Static IP addresses are usually assigned to:

✓ remote servers which are hosting a website


✓ an online database
✓ a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server

3|Page
Dynamic IP Address
A dynamic IP address is an IP address that is assigned temporarily to a device by a DHCP (Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol) server. It can change each time the device connects to the network. Dynamic IP
addresses are assigned by the ISP each time a device logs onto the internet.

Differences between Dynamic IP addresses and Static IP addresses

Routers
A router is a networking device that connects multiple networks and directs data packets between them. It
plays a crucial role in both home and enterprise networks, facilitating communication between devices and
ensuring efficient data transfer.

4|Page

You might also like