Network Interface Card (NIC)

A Network Interface Card (NIC), also known as a network adapter, is a hardware component that allows a computer to connect to a computer network. Its primary function is to serve as the physical and electrical interface between the computer and the network medium (e.g., an Ethernet cable or a Wi-Fi signal). The NIC processes data from the computer operating system, converting it into a format compatible with the network protocol, and then transmits it. Conversely, it receives incoming network data and translates it back into a format the computer can understand. This process includes encapsulating data into packets, adding hardware addresses, and managing the physical transmission of signals.