CHAPTER

3 Network Interface Adapters

Every computer that participates on a network must have an interface to that network, using either a cable or some form of wireless signal that enables it to transmit data to the other devices on the network. The most common form of wired network interface is part of the mainboard and connects to a network cable, typically referred to as a network interface card (or controller), or NIC for short (see Figure 3-1). Also called a network interface adapter, this is normally an Ethernet connection and is used by small and medium-sized businesses as well as home network configurations.

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Figure 3-1 A typical Ethernet ...

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