What is Network Adapter?

Network adapter interfaces a computer to a network. The term "adapter" was popularized originally by Ethernet add-in cards for PCs. A network interface controller (also known as a network interface card, network adapter, LAN "adapter) is a computer hardware component that connects a computer to a computer network.

See more products from http://www.optoroute.com.cn/

 

Modern network adapter hardware exists in serveral forms. Traditional Ethernet adapters for desktop PCs were PCI cards. PCMCIA (also know as "credit card" or "PC card") adapters or similar devices that connected to USB ports were more commonly used in laptop computers. Nowadays, though, both Ethernet and wireless network adapters are simply integrated circuit chips pre-installed inside the computer.

 

Most Network Interface Cards are designed for a particular type of network, protocol and media, although some can serve multiple networks.

 

While network interface controller implementation expansion card inserted into the computer bus, the low cost and ubiquity of Ethernet standard means that most new computers with network interface on the motherboard. 

 

It allows users to connect to each other or through the use of cable or wirelessly if the NIC is a wireless NIC (WiFi/WNIC). Each entity in the network, computers, printers, routers, etc., needs and other equipment must have a network card if it is network communication. In the old computers, network card may be an expansion card, usually PCI or serial bus.

 

High performance card can speed less that $30. NIC functionality is now often integrated into the motherboard chipset or implement with a dedicated Ethernet chip on the motherboard.

 

A similar situation applies to laptops. At the same time, a PCMCIA network card would be used in a laptop computer for the NIC just as the PCI card was used in desktop computer, but now, the function of the card is usually combined with the motherboard.

 

Ethernet is the dominant standard for cable connections for wired computer networks. An Ethernet connector looks similar to telephone, only larger. This connector is called RJ45 connector. Ethernet cable are either a shielded or unshielded cable of four twisted pairs of 24 AWG connectors, specified in the impedance of 100 ohms. Maximum cable length for CATX cables is 100 meters.

 

Early versions of Ethernet cable is CAT3 or CAT4 (CAT is referred to as "category). These versions were not long lived. Cat5 and Cat5e are currently the most commonly used cables, with Cat6 available and the configuration of the near-future. A cat7 cable specification is in development, and should be available in a few years.

 

Each Ethernet NIC has a unique serial number called "media access code" (MAC address), is used to identify the network adapter, and associated computer on the network. No two NIC will have the same address, because the NIC manufacturers must purchase blocks of addresses from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).