Page 85 - DCAP311_DCAP607_WIRELESS_NETWORKS

Unit 5: Wireless PAN Components

Notes

Notes 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 the motherboard. This separate
card contained the electronic circuitry and the physical connectors. The figure 5.1 shows an
example of a typical NIC.

Figure 5.1: Typical Network Interface Card

Source: http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/network-interface-card-nic-types-function-definition.html
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 the hardware
and the 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. The figure
5.2 shows an Ethernet connection built into a motherboard. Several other connections are located
directly adjacent to the Ethernet connection.

Figure 5.2: Ethernet Connection Integrated on a Motherboard

Source: http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/network-interface-card-nic-types-function-definition.html

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