Network Interface Card Types & Function | What is an NIC? – Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

Video Transcript

Network Interface Cards

In the early days of computing, individual computers operated as stand-alone systems. The earliest personal computers did not have an easy way to connect to other computers. In order to transfer files between computers, you had to use a portable storage medium such as a floppy disk; however, in modern-day computers, connecting to a network is essential. For example, you need to connect to use e-mail, access information on the Internet, and share documents within a corporate network.

A computer uses a network interface card (NIC) to become part of a network. The NIC contains the electronic circuitry required to communicate using a wired connection (e.g., Ethernet) or a wireless connection (e.g., WiFi). A network interface card is also known as a network interface controller, network adapter, or Local Area Network (LAN) adapter.

Early NICs typically consisted of an expansion card connected to a computer’s motherboard. This separate card contained the electronic circuitry and the physical connectors. Here’s an example of a typical NIC:

Typical network interface card

Ethernet Connection

The most widely used network connection for personal computers is an Ethernet connection. Ethernet is really a standard for computer network technologies that describes both hardware and communication protocols. Ethernet was commercially introduced in 1980 and has largely replaced other wired network technologies.

Since Ethernet is so widely used, most modern computers have a NIC built into the motherboard. A separate network card is not required unless some other type of network is used. Here, you can see an Ethernet connection built into a motherboard. Several other connections are located directly adjacent to the Ethernet connection.

Ethernet connection integrated on a motherboard

An Ethernet connection uses a standard interface known as an RJ45 connector. ‘RJ’ stands for ‘registered jack.’

Ethernet cable using a RJ45 connector

This cable plugs into the Ethernet connection of a computer. Small LED lights built into the connection will show that a connection is active and whether data is being transferred.

Wireless Connection

While most desktop computers rely on a wired connection, mobile computing devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones use a wireless connection. The most widely used system for wireless connections is WiFi, which relies on radio signals.

Most laptop computers have both an Ethernet and a WiFi connection, while smaller devices typically only have a WiFi connection. The NIC controls both types of connections, so, whether you use an Ethernet or WiFi connection, you can use your computer for the same tasks regardless of the type of connection. Wireless connections tend to be slower and are sometimes less secure, but, in a typical network, the two connections are designed to work seamlessly with each other.

Lesson Summary

Network connectivity is key for modern computers. To connect to a network, a computer uses a network interface card or controller (NIC). This is often built into the motherboard. The two most common types of network connections are Ethernet (wired) and WiFi (wireless).

Key Terms

Modern computers use NICs to connect to networks

• Network Interface Card (NIC): allows a computer to connect to a computer network through Ethernet or WiFi
• Ethernet: wired connection
• WiFi: wireless connection
• Local Area Network_: a type of NIC
• RJ45 connector: cable used to connect a computer to the Ethernet

Learning Outcomes

When you are done with this lesson, apply your knowledge to achieve the following goals:

• State the function of a NIC
• Assess the processes required to connect a computer to WiFi or the Ethernet