What Is an Ethernet NIC Card?

The Ethernet is a networking standard (known as IEEE 802.3) for Local Area Networks (LAN), which are used for connecting close-proximity devices together for sharing resources (such as in offices, schools, and homes). The Ethernet Network Interface Controller allows computing devices to take advantage of this technology, which has today become the ubiquitous medium for data transmission.

Definition

An Ethernet Network Interface Controller (NIC) provides the hardware interface necessary to connect a computer to an Ethernet network.

Aliases

Ethernet NIC cards are also known simply as Ethernet cards, network cards or network adapters. They can also be referred to as just a NIC (network interface controller), network interface card, Ethernet adapter or LAN adapter.

Devices

Ethernet NIC cards now come installed in all modern desktop computers, and virtually all modern laptops will feature a built-in wireless Ethernet NIC.

Features

Ethernet NIC cards feature a speed rating that is often considered to be the best measurement of the device's overall performance. It typically ranges from 10 to 100, even 1000 MBps (megabytes per second).

Considerations

Ethernet NIC cards are quickly becoming a thing of the past as most computer motherboards are being designed with network interface capabilities already installed.

Resources

• Types of Network Hardware -- Network Interface Cards