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network interface card

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network interface card

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

network adapter

Also called a "network interface card" (NIC), a network adapter is a plug-in card that enables a computer to transmit and receive data on a local network. Today, the term refers to an Ethernet adapter, although in the past, Token Ring, LocalTalk and FDDI networks were used. A network adapter may also refer to a Wi-Fi adapter (see wireless adapter).

Mostly Built In
Ethernet circuitry is built onto the motherboard of every new desktop and laptop computer, and plug-in cards (NICs) are generally only used in high-end machines when a faster Ethernet standard is new and not yet mainstream. See Ethernet adapter, Token Ring, LocalTalk, FDDI and OSI model.
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References in periodicals archive
Synology highlighted that an additional network interface card allows enthusiasts and businesses to take advantage of up to two 10GbE ports to boost maximum throughput.
The new file-sharing capability allows a virtualised server infrastructure to utilise shared JBOD storage through the use of RDMA-enabled network interface cards (RNICs).
The RT2880 is the industry's first Wireless LAN Intelligent Network Interface Card (iNIC) on a chip.
In addition to the client software, the system requires an 802.1 x-compliant network interface card on the mobile device, an 802.1x-compliant access point, and a Radius server.
Konica also unveiled a host of advanced options for the 7115/7115F and 7118/7118F product line, including the IP-413 print controller and network interface card, Internet fax, and scan-to-email and scan-to-FTP functionality.
The evolution of Network Interface Card (NIC) form factors has enabled the embedding of NICs into laptops and wireless gateways.
With an optional network interface card, the GT2150 gives users the ability to monitor projector status and control common functions from down the hall or across the country via a Web browser interface.
Coupled with a network interface card and a packet driver or ODI driver, BPA2 can turn any Windows NT-based system into a real-time BACnet protocol and network analysis tool.
Subscribing tenants are then connected via a Network Interface Card installed in the PC.
Giganet's cLAN GNN1000 Host Adapter, a network interface card, and the cLAN GNN5000 Cluster Switch will be managed by Dell OpenManager Cluster Assistant, based on ClusterX software Dell takes from NuView Inc.
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