Title: Network Adapters
Course: 2016FA-MCO-110-401 > Section: Module 8: IT Infrastructure

Click here for a downloadable version of this document:(EXTERNAL) Network Adapters

Network Adapters are the devices which enable your computing equipment to interface with a local area network. While there is an exponential number of different types of adapters, they all fall primarily into two categories – physical connection network adapters or wireless connection network adapters.

Physical Connection Network Adapters – These are characterized by a cable connection point most often utilizing the RJ-45 connector standard. While these connector types are increasingly rare, especially in the home networking environment, they are still extremely useful. This is due to the fact that a physical connection will always provide a more stable and secure connection than the wireless equivalent.

Wireless Connection Network Adapters – A relatively new technology to the general user, this portion of network connection adapters have proliferated at an increasing speed. This type of adapter is characterized by the lack of physical interface needed to connect. Most often, it utilizes the 802.11 (IEEE – Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering) specification for connecting to an available wireless local area network. These network adapters are imbedded in an extremely wide array of devices. Today, everything from watches to coffee makers to light switches to cars have wireless network connection capabilities. This practice, while giving increased functionality to the aforementioned devices, presents a multitude of security challenges for both the device manufacturers and end users.

Objectives met:
- C8
- 8.5