What is a Network Adapter?

 

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.