What is Network Interface Card
A network interface card (NIC) gives a computer a dedicated network connection point. This network could be the public internet, a wide area network (WAN), or a local area network (LAN). NICs are used to send and receive packets between endpoints and the network. They transform data from digital to analog (from the device to the network) and from analog to digital (from the network to the device). In order to regulate traffic and preserve the best possible network performance, they also control data flows.
ICs enable computers to connect to a network at significantly faster speeds than dial-up modems and other outdated technology. Through the use of algorithms and protocols, they also lessen network collisions. To improve data integrity, certain NICs additionally employ error correction codes to find and fix mistakes.
How does Network Interface Card work?
- NICs function as an interface at the TCP/IP layer, transmit data packets at the network layer, and send signals at the physical layer, all of which are described by the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. The physical layer circuitry required to communicate with a data link layer standard, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi, is contained on a network interface card (NIC) in a computing device. Every network interface card is a device that can prepare, transmit, and regulate network data flow.
- Between a computer and a data network, the NIC acts as a go-between. For instance, the computer sends a URL request to the network card, which transforms it into electrical impulses. These impulses are received by an internet web server, which reacts by returning the webpage to the network card in the form of electrical signals. These signals are received by the card, which converts them into the information shown on the computer. NICs make sure that data packets reach the right device by using distinct MAC addresses to identify devices on a network.
- NICs were first used as expansion cards that connected to USB devices, routers, and computer ports. Modern network cards, on the other hand, are integrated right into the motherboard chipset of the computer. If more independent network connections are required, users can buy expansion card NICs online or in physical stores. The specs of the NIC that users select should match those of the network standard.
Types of Network Interface Card in Computer Networks
- Wireless
- Wired
- Fiber Optics
- Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
- USB
- Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe)
- Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended (PCI-X)
- Mini Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (Mini PCIe or mPCIe)
1. Wirelesss NIC
Antenna-based NICs use radio frequency waves to enable wireless reception. The antenna uses radio frequency (RF) waves to communicate with a wireless access point. Wireless NICs are used in Wi-Fi connectivity.
2. Wired
The input jacks on these NICs are designed for cables. The most widely used wired LAN technology is Ethernet.
3. Fiber Optics
fiber-based technology. Fiber optic cables are used by certain NICs to link nodes to networks. On server systems, these NICs can be utilized as a high-speed support system for managing network traffic. This support can also be obtained by merging many NICs. Compared to Ethernet wired NICs, fiber optic NICs are usually more costly and sophisticated.
4. Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
Created in 1992, this earlier class of NICs employed parallel interfaces to handle slow network data transmission speeds and had set widths (32 and 64 bits). In the 1990s, they were frequently found in desktop computers and servers.
5. USB
Through a device that is plugged into the USB port, these NICs offer network connections. USB NICs are perfect for devices without built-in NICs and for portable computers, such as laptops.
6. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe)
Developed in 2003, this next generation of NICs, which are often found in computer and server motherboards, uses serial connections to provide even faster data transfer speeds and reduced latency than PCI-X.
7. Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended (PCI-X)
PCI-X stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended. Developed in 1998, this improved PCI version was intended to satisfy the demanding requirements of servers and provided faster data transfer rates (up to 1024 MB/s).
8. Mini Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (Mini PCIe or mPCIe)
Due to its tiny form factor, this flexible NIC is appropriate for applications that are sensitive to shock, industrial automation, and devices with limited space, such as laptops and cell phones.
