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Definition

A Network Interface Card (NIC) is circuit board or a card that allows computers to communicate over a network via cables or wirelessly.

Description

• It is also called as LAN adaptor, network adaptor or network card.
• Enable clients, servers, printers and other devices to transmit and receive data over the network.
• Operates on physical and data link layer of OSI model.
• Every network adaptor is assigned a unique 48-bit Media Access Control (MAC) address, which is stored in ROM to identify themselves in a network or a LAN.
• Available maximum data transfer rate is 10, 100 and 1000 MBPS.
• Typically network adaptor has RJ45 or BNC or both sockets for connecting and a LED to show up it is active and transmitting the data.
• Connects to a network via cables like CAT5, Co-axial, fiber-optics etc. And wirelessly by a small antenna.