What Is a Network Interface Card?
A network interface card (NIC), also known as a LAN card, network adapter, or Ethernet adapter, is a device enabling a computer’s connection to a network.
The NIC is crucial for processing at the physical layer, facilitating communication with other computers. Primarily, there are two categories of NICs: Ethernet and wireless. Ethernet NICs are used for connections to wired LANs, whereas wireless NICs provide connectivity to wireless LANs, including Wi-Fi networks.
Functionally, NICs translate data packets from the computer into electrical signals for transmission across the network. Conversely, they convert incoming electrical signals from the network back into data packets that the computer can process.