What is a Network Card?

Category: Networking Tags:

A network card is also called an Ethernet card, Network Adapter, Network Interface Card, or NIC. A network card acts as the interface between a computer and the rest of the devices that form the network. The purpose of the network card is to prepare, send, and control data on the network.


A network card usually has two indicator lights (LEDs):...

What types of Ethernet cards are there?

Category: Networking Tags:

Ethernet cards are also known as network interface cards or network adapters. Ethernet cards are available in several forms:

  • ISA cards were the first standard for PCs, requiring users to open their computer case for installation.
  • PCI installed inside desktop computers is usually installed by the manufacturer.
  • PCMCIA Ethernet cards are readily available for laptops and other mobile computers. These are inserted conveniently into slots on the side or front of the device.
  • External USB Ethernet adapters are an alternative to PCI cards for desktop computers and are also commonly used with video game consoles and other consumer devices lacking PCMCIA slots.

An Ethernet card does not directly support Wi-Fi wireless networking, but home network broadband routers contain the necessary technology to allow Ethernet devices to communicate with Wi-Fi devices through the router....

What is the function of a Network Card?

Category: Networking Tags:

The primary function of a network interface card is to provide a physical link to a computer network. A network card is a physical interface between the computer and the network cable. It converts the data sent by the computer into a form that can be used by the network cable, transfers that data to another computer, and controls the data flow between the computer and the cable.

This connection allows computers to communicate with servers, as well as other computers on the network. It also translates the data coming from the cable into bytes so that the computer’s CPU can read it....

How to Enable or Disable a Network Adapter?

Category: Networking Tags:

Network adapters can normally be enabled or disabled through their software.  When a network connection suddenly stops functioning, disabling, and re-enabling it can repair the problem.  Disabling an adapter provides a convenient alternative to installing and uninstalling it.

  1. Open Network Connections by clicking the Start button >Control Panel Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Manage network connections.
  2. Right-click the network adapter, and then do one of the following:
  • To disable the network adapter, select Disable.
  • To enable the network adapter, select Enable.

If you disable the adapter, you must enable it again to connect to a network....

How to install a USB Network Adapter?

Category: Networking Tags:

A network adapter card is required to connect a computer to a network or the Internet. Most computers have wireless networking built-in. Older computers may need to have a network adapter added to them before using them on a network. USB Network adapters can come in different models.

To install a USB Network Adapter, proceed as follows:...

What is a Network Interface Card or NIC Adapter?

Category: Networking Tags:

NIC stands for Network Interface Card. NICs are also known as network interface cards, network adapters, or LAN adapters. A NIC adapter is the most important device in building a network. The network adapter card is physically attached to the network cabling. It is responsible for receiving and transmitting data at the physical level.

A NIC adapter transmits data onto the network and receives data from the network. It works at the data link protocol level. A NIC provides an attachment point for a specific type of cable, such as coaxial cable, twisted-pair cable, or fiber-optic cable. NICs for wireless LANs typically have an antenna for communication with a base station. A network adapter has a unique IP address....