What is a Network Interface Card (NIC)?

A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a physical component that provides network connectivity to a computer or device. It enables the device to communicate with other devices over a network, whether that is a local area network (LAN) or a broader internet connection. The NIC acts as an interface between the network and the computer's internal hardware, converting data into a form that can be transmitted over the network and vice versa. This hardware component can support various types of network technologies, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi, depending on the specific design of the NIC.

This physical card is crucial for establishing a network connection, as it handles the sending and receiving of data packets to and from the network. Moreover, the presence of a NIC is essential for devices to connect to wired or wireless networks, making it a fundamental structure in network architecture.