3.9 Network Hardware Trainer
NIC, router, MAC address, IP address, transmission media — everything needed to connect devices on a network.
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What do I need to know before I start?
A network connects two or more devices so they can share data and resources. Every device needs a NIC (Network Interface Card) to connect, and each NIC has a unique MAC address set by the manufacturer. Data travels in packets, and a router reads each packet's destination address to forward it. Devices are identified by IP addresses — either IPv4 (32-bit, denary, dots) or IPv6 (128-bit, hexadecimal, colons) — which can be static or dynamic. Cambridge tests all of this with precise definitions and comparisons.
By the end of 3.9 you can…
| Objective | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Describe the purposes of a NIC | s25 Q5a: transmit/receive data, provide a physical connection, convert data for transmission. |
| Identify three characteristics of a MAC address | s25 Q5a(ii) — 3 marks; s22 Q10 — 3 marks. Unique, set by manufacturer, identifies the device. |
| State the role of a router | Reads each packet's destination address and forwards it towards the correct network/device. |
| Compare IPv4 and IPv6 | s23 Q9b — 4 marks: bit-length, notation and number of addresses all differ. |
| Distinguish static and dynamic IP addresses | Static never changes; dynamic is assigned on connection and can change. |
| Explain the difference between a MAC address and an IP address | MAC identifies the device (fixed); IP identifies its location on the network (can change). |
Cambridge-approved terms
Network Interface Card — hardware that connects a device to a network and transmits/receives data.
A unique address set by the manufacturer that identifies a device (NIC). Does not change.
An address identifying a device's location on a network. Can be IPv4 or IPv6; can be static or dynamic.
A device that reads each packet's destination address and forwards it towards the correct network.
IPv4: 32-bit, denary, separated by dots. IPv6: 128-bit, hexadecimal, separated by colons.
Static: never changes. Dynamic: assigned when the device connects and may change each time.
The key comparisons
MAC address vs IP address
| MAC address | IP address | |
|---|---|---|
| Identifies | The device (NIC) itself | The device's location on the network |
| Set by | The manufacturer | The network / ISP |
| Changes? | No — fixed and unique | Can change (dynamic) or stay fixed (static) |
IPv4 vs IPv6
| Feature | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
| Bit-length | 32-bit | 128-bit |
| Notation | Denary, separated by dots (e.g. 192.168.0.1) | Hexadecimal, separated by colons |
| Addresses | Far fewer — running out | Vastly more — solves the shortage |
Traps that cost marks every session
A MAC identifies the device and is fixed; an IP identifies its network location and can change.
The MAC address is set by the manufacturer, not the network or ISP.
IPv4 is denary with dots (32-bit). IPv6 is hexadecimal with colons (128-bit).
No — MACs come from the manufacturer. Routers forward packets using destination addresses.
Static never changes; dynamic is assigned on connection and may change. Don't swap them.
Give specific purposes: transmit/receive data, physical connection, convert data — not just "connects to the network".
Check yourself — tap to reveal
Answer in your head, then tap to see the model answer. Aim for 5 of 6 before moving to Learn.
✅ Ready for Learn?
Before moving on, make sure you can answer these without notes:
- What is a NIC and what are its purposes?
- Give three characteristics of a MAC address.
- What does a router do with a packet?
- Compare IPv4 and IPv6.
- How does a MAC address differ from an IP address?
Network hardware
NIC
Network Interface Card. Connects a device to a network. Each NIC has a unique MAC address. Can be wired or wireless (WNIC).
Router
Examines the destination address in a data packet and forwards the packet to that address. Connects devices to the internet.
Transmission media
The cables used to transfer data in a network. E.g. copper cables, fibre optic cables. Required for wired connections.
Network flow animation
Press Send to see how a packet travels through the network.
MAC address vs IP address
| MAC address | IP address | |
|---|---|---|
| Set by | Manufacturer (burned in) | Network / router / DHCP |
| Changes? | No — permanent | Yes (dynamic) or No (static) |
| Format | Hexadecimal (34:4D:EA:89:75:B2) | IPv4: 12.244.233.165 / IPv6: 2001:0db8:… |
| Unique to | The NIC / hardware | The network connection |
| Used for | Identifying device on local network | Routing packets across internet |
IPv4 vs IPv6
IPv4
32-bit address. Four groups of numbers separated by full stops. E.g. 12.244.233.165. Created 1983. Running out of addresses.
IPv6
128-bit address. Eight groups separated by colons. Can include hex. E.g. 2001:0db8:0000:…:7879. Created because IPv4 running out.
Static vs Dynamic IP
Static: does NOT change each time the device connects. Used for servers, printers.
Dynamic: CAN change each time the device connects. Assigned by DHCP. Most devices use dynamic.
Activity 1 — MAC or IP?
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Activity 2 — Name that Component
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Activity 3 — Spot the Mistake
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Adaptive practice
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Cambridge-style questions
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Review quiz
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Exam traps
Memory triggers
🧠 "MAC = Made At Creation"
MAC address is made when the NIC is created (manufactured). Permanent. Never changes.
🧠 "Router = Royal Mail sorter"
A router reads the address on each packet and sends it to the right destination. Like a postal sorting office.
🧠 "IPv6 = more digits, more devices"
128-bit vs 32-bit. More bits = more possible addresses = enough for all devices worldwide.