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A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a device that allows computers to be joined together in a network, typically a Local Area Network (LAN). Networked computers communicate with each other using a particular protocol or agreed-upon language for transmitting data packets between the different machines or 'nodes.' The network interface card acts as an interpreter, allowing the machine to both send and receive data on a LAN. Information Technology (IT) specialists often use these cards to setup wired or wireless networks.
Function and Purpose of an NIC
One of the most common languages or protocols used with a LAN is Ethernet. There are also other, lesser-used protocols such as Token Ring. When building a LAN, a network interface card is installed in each computer on the network and each one must use the same architecture. For example, all the cards must be Ethernet cards, Token Ring cards, or an alternate technology.
If the multi-port NIC resides on a simple PCI bus, then, typically, the HIN allocated is the slot number multiplied by 100. For instance, port 1 on the multiport NIC in PCI slot 2 might resolve to SLOT=201. A computer uses a network interface card (NIC) to become part of a network. The NIC contains the electronic circuitry required to communicate using a wired connection (e.g., Ethernet ) or a. StarTech PEX10GSFP4I StarTech.com SFP+ Server Network Card - 4 Port Nic Card - Intel XL710 Chip - PCIe Netword Card - 10 Gigabit Ethernet Card. Standards: IEEE 802.3ae (10GBASE-LR/SR only) PCI Express Rev 3.0, using PCIe x8 (or higher) slot; Connectors: Connector Type (s): 1 x PCI Express x8 Male Internal Ports: 4 x SFP+ Slot Female.
An Ethernet network interface card is installed in an available slot inside the computer, typically on the motherboard. The NIC assigns a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address to the machine, which is used to direct traffic between the computers on a network. Network cards also change data from a parallel format, used by computers, to a serial format necessary in data transfers; and then back again for received information.
Wired Networks
A card's back plate features a port that fits a data cable, such as an Ethernet cable, which runs from each NIC to a central hub or switch. The hub acts like a relay, passing information between computers using their MAC addresses and allowing them to share resources like printers and scanners. In a wired network, a cable physically connects each computer to each other or to a hub.
Wireless Networks
A network interface card does not have to be hard-wired with physical cable. Wireless cards are installed like their wired counterparts, but rather than a port for a cable, the card features a small antenna. The NIC communicates with a central wireless switch or hub via radio waves. Wireless LANs are often convenient, but may have some restrictions depending on the material a building is made from. For example, lead in walls can block wireless signals between the network interface card and a hub or switch.
Choosing the Right NIC
When buying components for a LAN, it is important to make sure the NICs and hub or switch have the same capabilities. The entire network should be either wired or wireless, unless components are specifically chosen that have both functionalities. In addition, newer versions of hardware often support more features and greater data speeds than older equipment. It is important to make sure a central switch or hub is just as good as the individual cards used in a network.
Wide Area Networks and NICs
Computer users can also connect LANs located in different areas of a city, region, or country, through Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and the creation of a Wide Area Network (WAN). LANs are built with a network interface card in each computer, but ATM uses Internet connections to link multiple LANs to an online switch, making each one part of a network. This type of WAN is referred to as an 'Internetwork,' as the larger WAN consists of individual nodes that are each a smaller LAN.
Stands for 'Network Interface Card' and is pronounced 'nick.' A NIC is a component that provides networking capabilities for a computer. It may enable a wired connection (such as Ethernet) or a wireless connection (such as Wi-Fi) to a local area network.
NICs were commonly included in desktop computers in the 1990s and early 2000s. In the 1980s and early 1990s, many computers did not include networking capabilities, so a NIC could be added as an expansion card. Most NICs were installed in a PCI slot on the motherboard. Early NICs included a BNC connector for coax network connections, though Ethernet ports soon became the standard. Therefore most NICs include one or more Ethernet ports.
As wireless networking became more popular, wireless NICs also grew in popularity. Instead of an Ethernet port, wireless NICs are designed for Wi-Fi connections and often have an antenna to provide better wireless reception for the computer. Older wireless cards have PCI connections while most modern wireless NICs connect to a PCI Express slot.
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Since many different networking standards exist, it is best to match the specifications of a NIC to the standard of network. For example, if you are connecting to a Gigabit Ethernet network, a Gigabit Ethernet NIC is the best choice. A 100Base-T card will work, but you will only get 1/10 of the possible data transfer rate. A 10 Gigabit Ethernet Card may also work, but you will only experience gigabit speeds on the network. Wireless cards also use the lowest common denominator between the network and the NIC. However, if a wireless card does not support a newer wireless standard (such as 802.11ac), it may not be able to connect to the network.
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NIC vs Network Adapter
Technically, a NIC is a physical card that connects to an expansion slot in a computer. Many computers and wireless devices now include an integrated networking component called a network adapter. This may be an Ethernet controller and port attached to the edge of a motherboard or a small wireless networking chip located on the motherboard. A network adapter may also be a small peripheral that connects to a USB port. While the terms 'NIC' and 'network adapter' are often used synonymously, a NIC is a type of network adapter while a network adapter is not necessarily a NIC.
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Updated: March 14, 2018