Network hardware

This lesson introduces the key physical devices that make up a computer network. It begins with the network card and network interface, explaining the role of the MAC address in local communication. It then describes the switch—which connects multiple devices within a LAN—and the router, which connects different networks and routes packets to the correct destination.

The lesson also examines the roles of the gateway, modem, access point, and Wi-Fi hotspot. Finally, it explains the firewall as a security filter for network traffic and the modem-router as a home device that integrates multiple functions into a single unit.

Bibliography

Primary sources

IEEE. IEEE 802.3 — Ethernet Working Group Standards. IEEE Standards Association.

IEEE. IEEE 802.1D-2004 — Standard for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks: Media Access Control Bridges. IEEE Standards Association.

IEEE. IEEE 802.1Q — Bridges and Bridged Networks. IEEE Standards Association.

IEEE. IEEE 802.11 — Wireless LAN Medium Access Control and Physical Layer Specifications. IEEE Standards Association.

Baker, F. (1995). Requirements for IP Version 4 Routers. RFC 1812. IETF / RFC Editor.

Postel, J. (1981). Internet Protocol. RFC 791. IETF / RFC Editor.

Deering, S., & Hinden, R. (2017). Internet Protocol, Version 6 (IPv6) Specification. RFC 8200. IETF / RFC Editor.

ITU-T. Recommendation G.992.1 — Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line Transceivers.

ITU-T. Recommendation G.984.1 — Gigabit-capable Passive Optical Networks: General Characteristics.

ITU-T. Recommendation G.984.4 — GPON: ONT Management and Control Interface Specification.

Scarfone, K., & Hoffman, P. (2009). Guidelines on Firewalls and Firewall Policy. NIST Special Publication 800-41 Revision 1.

Secondary sources

Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach. Pearson.

Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. J. Computer Networks. Pearson.

Comer, D. E. Computer Networks and Internets. Pearson.

Peterson, L. L., & Davie, B. S. Computer Networks: A Systems Approach. Morgan Kaufmann.

Stevens, W. R., Fenner, B., & Rudoff, A. M. UNIX Network Programming, Volume 1: The Sockets Networking API. Addison-Wesley.

Doyle, J., & Carroll, J. Routing TCP/IP, Volume I. Cisco Press.

Odom, W. CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide. Cisco Press.

Index

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febogamedev – 12 July 2026 – 4:42 am

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