What exactly is a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What is the function of this card for internet network system performance? In what kind of network system is NIC needed?
A network card or commonly referred to as a Network Interface Card (NIC) is an important part in shaping the performance of a computer network. What exactly is this Network Interface Card device? And what is the role and function of this NIC? We will try to peel it briefly on this occasion.
What is NIC (Network Interface Card) ?
Network Interface Card is an important component in providing networks in computers and servers. This is a component in the form of a circuit card that will be installed on a computer device.
Function of NIC
The function of NIC is as a medium for forming relationships between computers, although it mainly works on internet functions. This component will work to connect the network from the LAN cable with the computer function. So that later the computer can enter the network associated with the LAN. Later, this Network Interface Card will also act as an identification device. Because each network card has a unique code that only each card has. The identity of the unique code on the card will be the identity of the computer device when working on the network.
NIC has a big role in the functioning of internet networks that work with LAN Network operating systems. This NIC will later work as an interface at the TCP/IP layer. NIC works by sending signals at the physical layer. Then after sending data packet signals at the network layer. NIC will also act as an intermediary between the computer or server and the network. The simple picture is, when a user accesses a web page, the card will get data from the computer device used and then send it to the server on the internet. This is a kind of reciprocal performance in delivering data from the user’s computer, the network and the wider internet world.
Types of NIC
In use, there are two types of forms of Network Interface Cards. The two forms are as follows.
- Network Interface Physical
This is a NIC with a physical form like a card. Its use is plugged into an available slot on the motherboard. This type is among the most commonly used.
- Network Interface Logical
Logical NIC is a form of NIC without physical definition. It is only in the form of software or applications / programs that work as NICs.
