# network card

> hardware component that connects a computer to a computer network

**Wikidata**: [Q165233](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q165233)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_interface_controller)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/network-card

## Summary
A network card is a hardware component that connects a computer to a computer network. It serves as the interface between a computer and a network, enabling data transmission and communication. Network cards can be wired or wireless and are essential for network connectivity.

## Key Facts
- Network cards are classified as expansion cards, which are circuit boards that can be connected to a computer system to add functionality
- They are also classified as controllers, which are computing devices that interface with more peripheral devices
- The NE2000 was an early line of low-cost Ethernet network cards
- Network cards can be integrated with general-purpose programmability as data processing units
- The Killer NIC is a network interface card manufactured by Bigfoot Networks
- Network cards have aliases including NIC, network interface controller, network adapter, and LAN card
- The RTL8139 is a family of network controller ICs produced by Realtek
- Network cards are different from network interface devices, despite similar functionality

## FAQs
### Q: What is the main function of a network card?
A: A network card connects a computer to a computer network, enabling data transmission and communication between the computer and other network devices.

### Q: What are the different types of network cards?
A: Network cards come in wired and wireless varieties, including Ethernet cards, wireless network interface controllers, and converged network adapters that combine multiple functions.

### Q: What are some common manufacturers of network cards?
A: Common manufacturers include Realtek (RTL8139, RTL8153), 3Com (3c509), TP-Link (TL-WN822N, UE300), and Bigfoot Networks (Killer NIC).

## Why It Matters
Network cards are fundamental to modern computing and communication, serving as the critical bridge between individual computers and the vast networks that connect them. Without network cards, computers would be isolated devices unable to access the internet, share resources, or communicate with other systems. They enable everything from basic web browsing and email to complex cloud computing and distributed systems. Network cards have evolved from simple wired Ethernet connections to sophisticated devices supporting high-speed data transfer, virtualization, and integrated processing capabilities. Their development has paralleled the growth of the internet and enterprise networking, making them indispensable in both personal and professional computing environments. As networks continue to advance with technologies like 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and beyond, network cards remain at the forefront of enabling these connections.

## Notable For
- Being classified as both expansion cards and controllers, highlighting their dual role in adding functionality and managing peripheral devices
- The NE2000's status as an early low-cost Ethernet network card that helped popularize network connectivity
- Integration of general-purpose programmability in data processing units, combining networking with computing capabilities
- Multiple naming conventions (NIC, network adapter, LAN card) reflecting their widespread adoption and varied applications
- Support for both wired and wireless connectivity, making them versatile components in modern computing

## Body
### Classification and Hierarchy
Network cards are classified as expansion cards, which are circuit boards that can be connected to a computer system to add functionality. They are also classified as controllers, which are computing devices that interface with more peripheral devices. This dual classification reflects their role as both add-on components and interface managers.

### Types and Variants
Network cards come in various forms including wired network adapters, wireless network adapters, converged network adapters, and data processing units. Wired variants typically use Ethernet connections, while wireless variants use technologies like Wi-Fi. Converged network adapters combine multiple functions into a single device, and data processing units integrate general-purpose programmability with network interface capabilities.

### Technical Specifications
Specific network card models include the NE2000 (early Ethernet card), 3Com 3c509 (Ethernet card line), RTL8139 (Realtek network controller family), and RTL8153 (Realtek 10/100/1000M Ethernet controller for USB 3.0). The TP-LINK TL-WN822N v1 is a 300Mbps high-gain wireless USB adapter, while the TP-Link UE300 is a USB network adapter model.

### Manufacturers and Brands
Major manufacturers include Realtek, 3Com, TP-Link, and Bigfoot Networks. Realtek produces families of network controllers like the RTL8139 and RTL8153. 3Com manufactured the 3c509 line of Ethernet cards. TP-Link offers various network adapter models including wireless USB adapters. Bigfoot Networks produces the Killer NIC line of specialized network interface cards.

### Related Technologies
Network cards are related to small form-factor pluggable transceivers, which are optical transceiver modules used for computer networking. They also connect to technologies like Token Ring, FDDI, and various wireless standards through interface devices like the Open Systems Adapter.

## Schema Markup
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{
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "network card",
  "description": "hardware component that connects a computer to a computer network",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_interface_controller",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q329",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_interface_controller"
  ],
  "additionalType": "expansion card"
}

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora
3. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)