Network Interface Cards (NICs)

A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component inside or attached to a computer that enables it to connect to a network, such as the internet or a local office network. It acts as a translator, converting data from the computer into a format suitable for transmission over the network and vice versa. NICs assign unique identifiers called MAC addresses, helping devices identify each other. They can be integrated into the motherboard or added as a separate card. NICs are essential for communication between devices, allowing data exchange, internet access, and network resources sharing.