A Network Interface Card (NIC), also known as a network adapter, is a piece of hardware that allows a computer to connect to a network. It acts as a bridge, enabling communication between the computer and other devices on the network, whether wired or wireless.
Description:
The primary function of a NIC is to provide a physical connection point for a computer to join a network. It facilitates the sending and receiving of data packets between the computer and the network. NICs support various network protocols, such as Ethernet, allowing for communication according to established standards. Each NIC has a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address, which acts as its identifier on the network.