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Network hardware: NIC, MAC and IP addresses

To join a network a device needs the right hardware and two kinds of address. This unit covers the network interface card, MAC addresses, IPv4 and IPv6, static and dynamic IP addresses, and what a router does.

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The network interface card (NIC)

A NIC connects a device to a network Computer NIC wired or wireless Network Each NIC has a MAC address set when it is made
  • A computer needs a network interface card (NIC) to connect to a network.
  • A NIC can be wired, with a cable port, or wireless, using radio signals.
  • In most modern devices the NIC is built into the main circuit board.
  • Each NIC is given a unique MAC address when it is made.

Check you've got it

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1. When is a MAC address given to a network interface card?

2. Which of these is a valid IPv4 address?

3. Why was IPv6 introduced?

4. A school file server must always be found at the same address. Which type of IP address suits it best?

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