Network Interface Cards ELET – 5320

1. Network Interface CardsELET – 5320 By Devender Kasturi

2. 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. University of North Texas

3. 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) University of North Texas

4. 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. University of North Texas

5. 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 University of North Texas

6. 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. University of North Texas

7. 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 University of North Texas

8. 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. University of North Texas

9. 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 University of North Texas

10. 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. University of North Texas

11. References • http://www.sierrawireless.com/pub/doc/2130212.pdf • http://som.csudh.edu/rharris/docs/IMchap04.doc • http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/N/network_interface_card_NIC.html University of North Texas