Network Components
A network runs on hardware—specifically, a modem for Internet connectivity, a hub/switch or router for multiple device connectivity to that modem's Internet connection, and network adapters for each device you want to connect. Each one of these devices has what is referred to as a Media Access Control (MAC) address. This helps identify each point on the network where traffic may or may not be directed.
The Internet is a network. On it, data typically travels in “packets.” Without diving into a muddled mess of terminology, let us first outline how these packets travel back and forth.
Adapters
An adapter (or network interface card, NIC) is either an internal computer card or an external device that is installed in/on a computer ...
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