NIC – Network Interface Card (Ethernet Card or Network Card)

Basics of NIC (Network Interface Card)

NIC (Network Adapter) is a physical interface between computer and cabling.
NIC receives, translates, sends, and controls the flow of data.
NICS translates the digital signals (data) from the computer into electrical or optic signals to make them flow through Ethernet or Fiber-optic cables.
The NIC configuration consists things like a manufacturer’s MAC address, IRQ address, base I/O port address, base memory address etc.,

The proper NIC drivers should be installed to make the NICs to work efficiently. Always Install the latest NIC drivers from the device manufacturer’s website.
Usually a green LED link light glows solid when plugged into the network. It indicates that there is a basic electrical connection to the network.
NIC is also known as Network interface controller, Network adapter or LAN adapter.
Ethernet connection uses RJ45 to connect to the NIC .(RJ stands for Registered Jack).
Every manufacturer develop their own firmware to execute instructions in Network Interface Card.

Network port could be built-in on the motherboard or in old PCs, on a PCIe expansion slot.
Some of the NIC chipset manufacturers are Intel, Realtek, Broadcom, Marvell technology, Qlogic etc.,
NIC has a circuit board which has several computer chips that process the received signals.
Ethernet NICs and Wireless network cards are the most used NICs.
NIC slides into the computer’s chassis to PCI or ISA slots and sits firmly on the motherboard. A metal bracket holds the card . This steel bracket may have a RJ 45 port or an antenna, depending upon the type of NIC (LAN or wireless).