The hardware needed to connect stand-alone computers into a Local Area Network: Wireless access points, Routers, Switches, NIC (Network Interface Controller/Card), Transmission media

Several hardware components are needed to connect standalone computers into a Local Area Network, including wireless access points, routers, switches, NICs, and transmission media. A home 'router' is often three devices in one box: a router (between your LAN and the Internet), a switch (Ethernet ports on the LAN), and a wireless access point.

Key points

• Definition:Wireless Access Point (WAP): uses radio transceivers to allow devices to connect wirelessly to a network.
• Definition:Router: connects two or more DIFFERENT networks together (e.g. a home LAN to the Internet). Uses IP addresses to make routing decisions between those networks.
• Definition:Switch: connects devices within ONE network (typically a LAN). Uses MAC addresses (not IP addresses) to send data only to the intended device.
• Definition:NIC (Network Interface Controller/Card): hardware inside a device that enables it to connect to a network. Converts data into signals (voltages for wired, radio waves for wireless).
• Definition:Transmission Media: the physical or wireless methods used to carry data (e.g. Ethernet cables, fibre-optic cables, radio waves).
• ROUTER — Receives packets from connected networks.
• ROUTER — Forwards, sends, or transmits packets towards the destination (usually via the next hop on the path).
• ROUTER — Maintains a routing table: stored information that describes available paths, interfaces, and next hops so the router knows where to send traffic for a given destination.
• ROUTER — Identifies the most efficient (or valid) path towards the destination using the destination IP / logical location on the network.
• ROUTER — A home 'router' usually contains a built-in switch (and often Wi-Fi) — that SWITCH forwards to the correct MAC on your LAN.
• SWITCH — Operates on a LAN (local network) to connect devices within that single network.
• SWITCH — Uses MAC addresses (not IP addresses) to decide which port/device should receive the data.
• SWITCH — Sends data only to the intended device once it has learned MAC-to-port mappings (not to every device).
• A switch builds a MAC address table (which MAC address is on which port) and uses it to forward frames only to the correct port.
• Exam Tip:Router = between networks, decisions based on IP (logical addressing). Switch = inside one network, delivery based on MAC (hardware addressing on the LAN).
• Common Mistake:Saying the router sends data to the correct MAC address on the local network as its main job. Routing between networks uses IP; delivering to a specific device's MAC on the LAN is what a switch does. A home 'router' usually contains a built-in switch (and often Wi-Fi) — that switch part forwards to the correct MAC on your LAN.
• Common Mistake:Confusing a router with a switch. A router connects NETWORKS (e.g. your home LAN to the Internet). A switch connects DEVICES within a single network.
• Common Mistake:Saying a switch performs the same role as a server. A switch DIRECTS data to devices — it does NOT store data or provide services.