Ethernet adapter

Also called a "network interface card" (NIC), an Ethernet adapter is a card that plugs into a slot on the motherboard and enables a computer to access an Ethernet network (LAN). In the past, desktop computers always used cards. Today, Ethernet is built into the chipsets on the motherboards of desktop and laptop computers. See teaming NICs.

Adding Ethernet to Old Machines
Old desktop computers can be retrofitted with an adapter that plugs into an available PCI slot. A USB-based Ethernet adapter can also retrofit both laptop and desktop machines. In years past, non-USB laptops were updated with PC Cards and ExpressCards (see PC Card). See Ethernet, LAN, Wi-Fi and auto negotiate.

Type of         Supported SpeedsAdapter     10 Mbps  100 Mbps  1 Gbps

  10/100        *        *

  10/100/1000   *        *         *

Ethernet Connections

The computer's Ethernet port (on the left) is wired to a switch or router. If there is no network, it can connect directly to a modem for Internet access. See Ethernet cable, RJ-45, Ethernet switch, wireless router, cable modem and DSL modem.

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References in periodicals archive

As enterprises ramp their 25GE adoption, they're creating favorable market conditions for Mellanox to continue gaining share in the Ethernet adapter market.

Mellanox breathes down Intel's neck for Ethernet adapter market dominance; - By Vladimir Galabov, principal analyst, IHS Markit

Increasing traffic and richer content continues to grow on the Internet(4) Adoption of virtualization and other new server technologies/solutions viewed a priority by IT managers(3) Server-class network ports growing total shipments to grow in excess of 20 percent in 2011(4) Increase in server-to-server communications(4) Ethernet adapters optimized for Dell PowerEdge 12th generation servers are a clear requirement for next-generation networks

Broadcom Announces Best-in-Class Ethernet Adapters and LOMs

Based on the HomePlug AV standard, the 'Powerline' AV Ethernet Adapter Kit provides reliable, high-speed internet and network connections up to 200 Mbps to devices such as digital media receivers, set-top boxes, game consoles, personal computers, networked attached storage and to the home network using existing electrical power outlets.

Netgear rolls out hitech adapter kits

NETGEAR's Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter is available now through leading retailers, e-commerce sites and value-added resellers.

POWERLINE ADAPTER CONNECTS DVR TO HOME NETWORK

For service providers that prefer the ease of use of powerline networking, the WF-802GW (802.11ac dual-band 2x2 Wi-Fi extender) and the WF-802G (Ethernet adapter) use MaxLinear G.hn Wave-2 technology to deliver gigabit-speed services that consumers can easily install by plugging into any home socket.

MaxLinear technology chosen by Cambridge Industries Group

The company is announcing support for the following Accolade Ethernet Adapter Models and PCI IDs: ANIC_2KL, ANIC_4KL, ANIC_TSDB, ANIC_20K, ANIC_40K, and the ANIC_20KL.

Lighthorse Networks Announces Support for Accolade Ethernet Capture Adapters

NETGEAR's Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101) provides reliable, high-speed internet and network connections up to 200 Mbps to the home network using existing electrical power outlets, to devices such as digital media receivers, set-top boxes, game consoles, personal computers, and networked attached storage.

Global smart home market expected to touch USD 10 billion by 2010

Featuring a highly scalable and programmable architecture, Chelsio is shipping 10-Gigabit Ethernet and multi-port Gigabit Ethernet adapter cards with protocol offload, delivering the low latency and superior throughput required for high-performance computing and storage applications.

OSAKA UNIVERSITY SELECTS CHELSIO'S 10GB ETHERNET

A Gigabit Ethernet adapter (transmitting 1,000 Megabits per second--Mbps) is recommended for connection to the iSCSI target.

IP-SAN, the networked storage wave-of-the-future?

The 10Gb Ethernet adapter for SGI systems can be placed in a standard PCI-X slot for port aggregation, potentially replacing multiple Gb Ethernet ports with a single 10Gb Ethernet port, and significantly increasing performance and lowering total cost of ownership.

SGI OFFERS 10 GIGABIT ETHERNET CONNECTIVITY

They also are broadband-ready, enabling users to cruise the Internet using a built-in V.90 56K modem or a 10/100 Ethernet adapter for high-speed cable or DSL connections.

HP introduces new Pavilion PCs for digital media enthusiasts