A Network Interface Card, or NIC, is a computer hardware component that allows a computer to connect to a network. NICs can be used for both wired and wireless connections. Other names for NICs were Network Interface Controllers (NICs), Network Interface Controller Cards, expansion cards, computer circuit boards, network cards or LAN cards.
Most new computers have either Ethernet capabilities integrated into the motherboard chipset, or use an inexpensive dedicated Ethernet chip connected through the PCI or PCI Express bus. A separate NIC is generally no longer needed. If the card or controller is not integrated into the motherboard, it may be an integrated component in a router, printer interface or USB device. Typically, there is an LED next to the connector informing the user if the network is active or whether or not data is being transferred on it. Depending on the card or motherboard, transfer rates may be 10, 100, or 1000 Megabits per second.
Read More ยป
Get Techopedia delivered to your inbox!