A NIC (Network Interface Card) is a hardware component that enables a computer or device to connect to a network. It facilitates the transmission and reception of data over the network and has a unique MAC address that identifies it on the network. It is also called a network adapter or network interface controller.
The NIC is responsible for converting digital data from the computer into signals that can be transmitted over the network medium, such as Ethernet cables or wireless signals. It also performs the reverse operation by receiving incoming data from the network and converting it into a format that the computer can understand.
NICs come in various forms, depending on the type of network connection. For wired connections, the NIC may be in the form of an Ethernet card that is inserted into a computer’s expansion slot or integrated directly onto the motherboard. For wireless connections, the NIC may be built-in or a separate wireless adapter that connects to the computer via USB or another interface.
NICs have unique MAC addresses assigned to them, which serve as their unique identifier on the network. The MAC address helps identify the NIC when communicating with other devices on the network.