What is a Network Adapter?
A network adapter, also known as a network interface
card (NIC), is a hardware component that allows a computer to connect to a
network. It serves as an interface between the computer and the network medium,
such as Ethernet cables or wireless signals. The primary function of a network
adapter is to provide the necessary hardware support for communication over a
network.
Network adapters can come in various forms, including
wired Ethernet adapters and wireless (Wi-Fi) adapters. Wired network adapters
typically use Ethernet cables to establish a physical connection to a network,
while wireless adapters use radio waves to connect to Wi-Fi networks.
In a computer, a network adapter is often a separate
expansion card that can be installed on the motherboard or integrated directly
into the motherboard. Many modern computers, especially laptops and mobile
devices, come with built-in network adapters to facilitate network
connectivity.
The network adapter is responsible for converting data
between the format used by the computer and the format suitable for
transmission over the network. It also handles tasks such as addressing, error
detection, and protocol management to ensure that data is successfully
transmitted and received on the network.
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