1. Network Interface Cards ELET – 5320By
Devender Kasturi

2. University of North Texas
What is NIC?
A NIC or Network Interface Card is a circuit board or chip, which allows the computer to communicate with other computers on a Network.
Networks transmit data in Serial format to and computer communicates with parallel data. NIC takes care of serial to parallel data conversion and vice versa.
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11/9/2018

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Types
Most NICs are designed for a particular type of network, protocol, and media, although some can serve multiple networks.
Ethernet ( 10 – 100 Mbps)
Token ring (4 – 16 Mbps)
FDDI (100 Mbps)
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11/9/2018

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Types of Connectors.
BNC
The BNC connector is a round connector which is used for Thinnet or 10Base-2 Local Area Network.
DB9 (RJ45 JACK)
Used with Token Ring networks.
DB15
The DB15 connector is used for a Thicknet or 10Base-5 Local area network.
BNC – Bayonet Naur Connector
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RJ45
One of the most popular types of connections used with computer networks.
RJ45 looks similar to a phone connector or RJ11 connector however is slightly larger.
LED
Indicates if the network connection is properly established
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NIC Functions
NIC converts data from serial to parallel and vice versa
NIC cards organize bits into orderly collections called packets. NIC cards check packets for errors or incompletion.
NIC acts as a gatekeeper; permitting incoming communications aimed only at its computer to pass through the interface and on to the CPU.
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Special-Purpose NICs
Some devices require special adapters to be purchased in order to achieve network connectivity.
Wireless Adapters
Some of the components that might be included with this type of card are:
Indoor antenna and antenna cabling
Software to enable the adapter to work with a particular network environment.
Diagnostic software to check initial installation or to troubleshoot thereafter
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Special Purpose NICs
Remote Boot Adapter
Because diskless workstations have no storage space, they require special adapters that contain enough information to start the computer and access the network to download operating system software.
One of the biggest advantages offered by remote boot adapters is cost.
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Advantages
Convenience
User is not required to initiate network connection
Power Management
e.g stand by mode
Faster Registration Time
System could be connected to the network while its being started
Intelligent Switching
Can coexist with other network adaptors
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Advantages
Simultaneous Communication with device
while data is still being passed using the device, NIC can simultaneously monitor data traffic, connection status, signal monitoring, and so on.
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References
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11/9/2018