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UGC NET PAPER 1 · UNIT 08 · MODULE 3: INTERNET, NETWORKS AND COMMUNICATION · TOPIC 9

Networking Devices

One table for every networking device: what it does, its key point, the layer it works at, MAC versus IP address, and modem versus router.

  • 2 sub-topics
  • 1 min read
  • Topic 9 of 18

What this topic covers

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  1. 9.1Devices, Functions and Key PointsDevice Function Key point NIC (Network Interface Card) Connects a computer to a network Has a unique MAC address (48-bit) Hub Connects devices in a LAN, broadcasts data to…
    • NIC (Network Interface Card)
    • MAC address
    • Hub
    • broadcasts
    • Switch
  2. 9.2Layer Mapping, Addresses and Look-Alike PairsLayer mapping: Hub and repeater work at the physical layer, switch and bridge at the data link layer, router at the network layer.
    • Layer mapping
    • Identification
    • Modem versus router

Revision mode hides the full explanations and keeps each section's key terms, lists and tables and the Memory Capsule. Use it from your second read onward.

9.1Devices, Functions and Key Points#

In brief

Device Function Key point NIC (Network Interface Card) Connects a computer to a network Has a unique MAC address (48-bit) Hub Connects devices in a LAN, broadcasts data to…

  • NIC (Network Interface Card)
  • MAC address
  • Hub
  • broadcasts
  • Switch
  • MAC addresses
  • Bridge
  • Router
Device Function Key point
NIC (Network Interface Card) Connects a computer to a network Has a unique MAC address (48-bit)
Hub Connects devices in a LAN, broadcasts data to all ports Unintelligent, shared bandwidth
Switch Sends data only to the intended device using MAC addresses Intelligent, replaces hub
Bridge Connects two LAN segments Filters traffic
Router Connects different networks and forwards packets using IP addresses, finds the best path Connects LAN to internet
Gateway Connects networks using different protocols, a translator Entry and exit point
Modem Modulator-Demodulator, converts digital to analog and back Used for telephone and cable lines
Repeater Regenerates and amplifies weak signals Extends distance
Access Point (AP) Provides Wi-Fi to wired network Wireless connectivity
Firewall Filters incoming and outgoing traffic by rules Hardware or software security

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9.2Layer Mapping, Addresses and Look-Alike Pairs#

In brief

Layer mapping: Hub and repeater work at the physical layer, switch and bridge at the data link layer, router at the network layer.

  • Layer mapping
  • Identification
  • Modem versus router

Layer mapping: Hub and repeater work at the physical layer, switch and bridge at the data link layer, router at the network layer. Identification: MAC address (hardware, physical, fixed) versus IP address (logical, changes with network). Modem versus router: modem connects to the ISP, router distributes the connection to devices.

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Test yourself on Networking Devices

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↑ Module 3: Internet, Networks and Communication · All 18 topics in ICT · Unit overview and sample MCQs

Last updated: . Notes are a revision aid; check official UGC sources for any rule or scheme that changes over time. Spotted a mistake? Write to netlawverse@gmail.com.