What is a Network Interface Card (NIC)?
A Network Interface Card, often abbreviated as NIC, is an expansion board you insert into a computer so the computer can be connected to a network. Most NICs are designed for a particular type of network, protocol, and media, although some can serve multiple networks. To be connected to the Comcast High-Speed Internet network it is recommended that you have an Ethernet cord.
Guest Author – Cathy Spearmon The most important PC device is the network interface card (NIC). Each computer on the network, including the servers, is required to have one installed. It is the NIC that provides connectivity between the PC and the network’s physical medium, the copper or fiber-optic cable. Most of the new motherboards available today for PCs and servers have the network interface card integrated with the motherboard. Older computers and some newer computers do not provide onboard network interfaces which will equire a NIC to be added. NICs provide computers with a connection to the network, but they also handle an important data-conversion function. Data travels in parallel on the PCI’s bus system, but the network medium demands a serial transmission. The transceiver, a transmitter and receiver, on the NIC has the ability to move data from parallel to serial and vice versa. This isn’t any different than an automobiles travelling down a multi-lane superhighway where all
A NIC is a piece of hardware that is installed on your computer that allows an Ethernet (high speed) connection to both the Internet and your local area network. This is not the same as a built in modem. Most computers purchased in the last three years already have network cards installed. If you have had your computer connected to RoadRunner or other high speed service you alreayd have a NIC.
