| Network cards are the backbone of any network. | | | | do away with traditional networking through |
| The Network interface card or the network card | | | | cables. These are gaining popularity as Wi-Fi |
| is a hardware device that allows a computer to | | | | hotspots are mushrooming all over the world. |
| be connected to a network, and through the | | | | Most new laptop computers are now available |
| network to other computers and devices. It is | | | | with pre-installed wireless network cards that are |
| installed in one of the free peripheral connect | | | | an integral part of the hardware. Wireless |
| interface (PCI) slots of a computer and includes a | | | | network cards that fit into the PCMCIA slots are |
| port in which the networking cable is inserted. | | | | available for older laptops and similar cards are |
| There are different NICs for different networks | | | | also available for regular desktop computers.A |
| even if the computer is the same. For example, if | | | | wireless network card can communicate only with |
| a computer is to be connected to an Ethernet | | | | a wireless router or a wireless access point. It is |
| LAN, it must be equipped with an Ethernet | | | | important that the wireless network card or |
| network card and if it is to be connected to a | | | | adapter should work at the same speed and with |
| wireless LAN, a wireless network card needs to | | | | the same coverage as the wireless router. |
| be installed.Wireless network cards allow you to | | | | |