Question 1 Report
(a) The table lists network hardware devices. Complete the table by describing the function of each device.
| Device | Function |
|---|---|
| Router | |
| Switch | |
| Network Interface Card (NIC) | |
| Wireless Access Point (WAP) |
[4]
(a) Network hardware device functions:
| Device | Function |
|---|---|
| Router | Directs (routes) data packets between different networks, reading destination IP addresses and selecting the best path for each packet to travel. It connects a local network (LAN) to wider networks such as the Internet. [1] |
| Switch | Connects devices within a single network (LAN). It reads the destination MAC address of each incoming data frame and forwards it only to the specific port where the intended device is connected, rather than broadcasting to all ports. [1] |
| Network Interface Card (NIC) | A hardware component installed in (or built into) a device that enables it to connect to a network. It provides the physical interface (wired Ethernet port or wireless antenna) and has a unique MAC address. [1] |
| Wireless Access Point (WAP) | Allows wireless (Wi-Fi) devices to connect to a wired network. It acts as a bridge, receiving wireless signals from devices and forwarding the data onto the wired network infrastructure. [1] |
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