NIC | Computer for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Network Interface Card

• A Network Interface Card (NIC) or Network Interface Controller serves as an essential internal hardware component that allows computers and various devices to establish connections within a network.
  • It acts as a crucial link between the device and the network, facilitating communication and data exchange.
• Network adapters, commonly referred to as NICs, provide the necessary interface for devices to connect and communicate across networks.
  • These adapters enable seamless data transmission between the device and the network infrastructure.
• NICs are equipped with built-in Ethernet ports, enabling them to be linked to a network through Ethernet cables, ensuring reliable and stable connections.
  • Through the Ethernet connection, data can be efficiently transmitted between the device and the network infrastructure.
• Wireless Network Interface Cards (WNIC) offer wireless connectivity options, allowing devices to connect to networks without physical cables.
  • This wireless capability grants flexibility and mobility to devices, enhancing network accessibility.
• The primary function of a NIC involves transmitting and receiving data packets between the device and the network, ensuring smooth information flow.
  • Data packets are effectively converted into signals that traverse the network medium, whether wired or wireless.
• NICs play a vital role in converting data into signals suitable for transmission across the network medium.
  • For wired networks, data signals are typically transmitted as voltages through Ethernet cables or light pulses through fiber optics.
  • Wireless networks utilize radio waves to transmit data signals between devices and the network.
• NICs, essential for connecting devices to a network, are commonly integrated into motherboards but can also be added as expansion cards.