Main purpose of network interface card (NIC) is to allow make communication in between computer systems through local area network, and to make communications over large-scale network via Internet Protocol (IP).

Network interface card (NIC) consists 48 bit unique serial number that is known as MAC address that is saved in ROM carried on the card. At least one NIC is integrated in the each computer system, if user wants to make connection to internet.

Types of Network Interface Card

Network Interface Cards are of two different type, but it depend on the slots, which are integrated into motherboard; below explain each one with examples –

Internal Network Cards:

Here, no need any other any network cards because motherboard contains a slot for inserting the network card where this card can be fitted. But, it needs the network cable to offer network access. Internal network card has two variants connection like as “Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) and Industry Standard Architecture (ISA)”.

Internal Network Cards (NIC) has input jack that is built with Ethernet Cable. It is preferred of a Ethernet connection is Register Jack’, and it is mostly used to RJ 45 connector. Ethernet-base’s Internal Network Cards can be measured as 10/100/1000 Mbps.

Ethernet has four standard like as “5-Base T, 10-Base T, 100-Base T, and 1000-Base T”.

Example is “TP-LINK TG-3468 Gigabit PCI Express Network Adapter“

External Network Cards:

Desktop and laptop do not contain any internal NIC card because external network card is used outside of your computer system. It does not require any cable for network access, and mostly it is used for traveling purpose because it makes comfortable for wireless networking access.

External Network Card has two variants like as “Wireless and USB based“.

• Wireless NIC: Wireless network card is fitted into motherboard slot but it doesn’t need any network cable to make connection with computer to internet. These types of NIC cards are introduced for Wi-Fi enabled connections.

Wireless network cards have a small size antenna integrated on the surface of card where to make communication in between multiple devices with using of routers and other network protocols.

Examples are “Intel 3160 Dual-Band Wireless Adapter and Fiber data Digital Interface FDDI“

• USB NIC: These types of network cards help to make connection over device plugged in the USB port.

Examples are “TP-Link TL-UE300 USB 3.0 to RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter and USB-Ethernet Adapter“

Functions of Network Interface Card

Network interface card (NIC) performs various functions; below list and explain each one –

• It plays role as translator that helps to convert data into digital signal.

• Network card provides both communication methods like as wired and wireless.

• It acts as middleware in between computer and data network. For example, when user sends the requests for any query on the internet then LAN card receives data from the user system, and then send them to the server over the internet, then finally it receives the needed data back from internet for viewing for users.

• This network card uses both OSI model layer such as physical and data link layer. Physical layer is used for transmitting signal and network layer to transfer data packets.

Working of Network Interface Card is divided into two segments, like as –

Wired Network Connectivity: In the wired network, Ethernet cable is connected to network port in the motherboard. It enables with direct to make connection to hub or switches. It uses the MAC address to share data or resources.

Wireless Network Connectivity: In the wireless network, to make communication in between multiple devices and center hub or switches through radio wave that means wireless medium.

Components of Network Interface Card

Memory: It is most important component of the network card because it helps to save all data while making communication.

Connectors: Connectors are used to attach cables with Ethernet port.

Processor: These processors help to alter all data message into comfortable format for making communication.

Jumpers: Jumpers are used to manage all communication operations without requiring of any program.

Router: To offer wireless connectivity.

MAC Address: It is known as “Physical Network Address“, and with the help of this MAC address NIC card decide where to send data with computer system.

Driver: It is needed software that transfer data between PC’ operating system and network card.

LED Indicators: This LED is connected with connectors, and it helps to notify to user when data is transferring while connecting network.

Controller: It is like as mini CPU that monitors the performance of the network adapter.

ROM Socket:  This socket is enabled with boot ROM ability that allows to diskless workstation for making connection with the network as well as to enhance the protection and get low cost of the hardware components.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is meant by network interface card?

A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware component that is used for making the network connectivity.

What is NIC in computer network?

NIC stands for (Network Interface Card); it is a circuit board that functions make to enable with network connection for network devices like as computer, printer, FAX, scanner, and etc.

What is the NIC full form in computer network?

NIC full form is Network Interface Card that is going to use in computer network.

What is the main function of network interface card in computer network?

The NIC card obtains the data from your system and converts it into data packets that can be interpreted by another network interface card for other network devices.

What are the different types of network interface card?

There are the four different kinds of NIC card like as Wireless NIC, Wired NIC, USB NIC, and Fiber Optic. Each one is explained in detail above in this post; you can check them.

What are the main examples of network interface card?

In this article, already we have been explained above many examples to all types of network interface card; you can see them.

What are the major components of network interface card?

NIC card has many components like as Connectors, Processor, Jumpers, Router, LED Indicators, Controller, and ROM Socket.

How does network interface card work?

In this post, you can see completely working structure with diagram of network interface card with ease.

Final Verdicts

Now, i make ensure that you have been completely educated about what is network interface card (NIC) with its functions, types, and examples; as well as involving with full form of NIC card with ease. If this post is useful for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.

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Happy Learning!!