Network Card

Definition of Network Card

A network card, network adapter, LAN Adapter or NIC (network interface card) is a piece of computer hardware designed to allow computers to communicate over a computer network. It is both an OSI layer 1 (physical layer) and layer 2 (data link layer) device, as it provides physical access to a networking medium and provides a low-level addressing system through the use of MAC addresses. It allows users to connect to each other either by using cables or wirelessly.

"Network Card" Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 10 July 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_card

More Information on Network Cards

Ethernet is the most commonly used type of network card. Although most modern computers have built in gigabit network cards, there are still a variety of basic and extended packages available to improve your sharing capabilities. 10 gigabit network adapters are used in state-of-the-art solutions for file sharing. Most cards also have light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to notify the user that they are connected to the network.

The Ethernet connection can be used for both large regions and LANs. Local area network cards are designed for a relatively smaller space for sharing such as a home or small business. Each MAC address symbolizes the Ethernet card specific to a particular computer so the network can distinguish between users.

Other network cards include fiber channel, and although they are sometimes considered more efficient, they are far more costly than gigabit or 10 gigabit cards that solve the same networking problems.

Implement ethernet networking cards for an efficient, inexpensive solution >

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