WHAT IS NETWORK INTERFACE CARD (NIC)?

A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware

component without which a computer cannot be
connected over a network. It is a circuit board installed
in a computer that provides a dedicated network
connection to the computer. It is also called network
interface controller, network adapter or LAN adapter.
 PURPOSE
• NIC allows both wired and wireless
communications.
• NIC allows communications between computers
connected via local area network (LAN) as well
as communications over large-scale network
through Internet Protocol (IP).
• NIC is both a physical layer and a data link layer
device, i.e. it provides the necessary hardware
circuitry so that the physical layer processes and
some data link layer processes can run on it.
TYPES OF NIC CARDS
 INTERNAL
NETWORK CARDS
• In internal networks cards,
motherboard has a slot for the
network card where it can be
inserted. It requires network
cables to provide network access.
Internal network cards are of two
types. The first type uses
Peripheral Component
Interconnect (PCI) connection,
while the second type uses
Industry Standard Architecture
(ISA).
 EXTERNAL NETWORK CARDS

• Indesktops and laptops that do not have an

internal NIC, external NICs are used.
External network cards are of two types:
Wireless and USB based. Wireless
network card needs to be inserted into the
motherboard, however no network cable is
required to connect to the network. They
are useful while traveling or accessing a
wireless signal.
LEARNING
ACTIVITY 1. Q&A
DIRECTIONS. Answer the following.
Write your answers on a sheet of paper.
1. What are other names/terms for network
interface cards?
2. What are the two types of network card
3. How does a computer with a network card
connect to a network?
4. Where is a network card located in a computer?
 IDENTIFYING IF YOUR
COMPUTER HAS AN
ETHERNET/NETWORK
INTERFACE CARD (NIC)
If you are not sure if your computer already
has a NIC installed, then follow these steps:
1. From your computer, click Start, then Control Panel.
2. Select Network and Internet Connections icon.
3. Select the Network Connections icon.
4. Under LAN or High-Speed Internet category, look for the name
of the Ethernet card (Tip: words like Ethernet adapter, Ethernetlink,
or LAN adapter may be contained in the card name).
5. If an Ethernet card is listed, then YES, your NIC or PC card is
installed.
Additional ways to check if
your computer already has a
NIC
• Refer to the owner's manual for your
computer.
• Contact your computer manufacturer.
• Look for an Ethernet port on the back of
your computer (it will look like a phone
jack but a little bigger). The presence of
an Ethernet port indicates that a NIC is
already installed in your computer.
If you do not have a NIC card already
installed in your computer
You will need to purchase a NIC to complete the AT&T
High Speed Internet installation. You may purchase a NIC
directly from the AT&T Equipment Shop or from almost
any retail computer store in your area.

To install your NIC, please follow the instructions provided

with your NIC purchase or contact your NIC manufacturer.
INSTALLING A NETWORK
INTERFACE CARD
1. Assemble your materials.

•Gather up the network card and

the driver disks. While you’re at
it, get your Windows installation
CD just in case.
 •Gather up the
network card and
2. Shut down
windows, turn the driver disks.
off the While you’re at it,
computer and get your Windows
unplug it.
installation CD just
in case.
 3. Remove the cover from your computer.
• You must typically remove a number of
screws to open the cover. Put the screws
someplace where they won’t wander off.
• If you have a name-brand computer such
as a Dell or a Compaq, opening the cover
may be trickier than just removing a few
screws. You may need to consult the
owner’s manual that came with the
computer to find out how to open the
case.
 5. Find an unused expansion slot inside the
computer.

The expansion slots are lined up in

a neat row near the back of the
computer; you can’t miss them.
Any computer less than five years
old should have at least two or three
slots known as PCI slots.
5. Remove the metal slot protector from the
back of the computer’s chassis.
If a small retaining screw holds the
slot protector in place, remove the
screw and keep it in a safe place
because you will need it later. Then
pull the slot protector out and discard.
6. Insert the network interface card into the slot.

Line up the connectors on the bottom of the

card with the connectors in the expansion
slot and then press the card straight down.
Sometimes you have to press uncomfortably
hard to get the card to slide into the slot.
7. Secure the network interface card.

Remember that screw you

put in a safe place ? Use it to
stabilize the network
interface card.
8. Put the Watch out for the loose
computer’s cables inside the
computer; you don’t
case back want to pinch them with
together. the case as you slide it
back on. Secure the case
with the screws that you
removed earlier.
9. Plug in the computer and turn it back
on.
If you’re using a Plug and Play card with Windows,
the card is automatically configured after you start
the computer again. If you’re working with an older
computer or an older network interface card, you
may need to run an additional software installation
program. See the installation instructions that come
with the network interface card for details.
Watch the video for actual installation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xbTDCclOn8
Learning Activity 2.
Arrange The Steps
Directions. Arrange the following
steps. Use LETTERS to determine
order of precedence. Write your
answers on a sheet of paper.
 A. Identifying if your computer has an
ethernet/network interface card (NIC)
___1. From your computer, click Start, then Control Panel.
___2. If an Ethernet card is listed, then YES, your NIC or PC card is
installed.
___3. Select Network and Internet Connections icon.
___4. Select the Network Connections icon.
___5. Under LAN or High-Speed Internet category, look for the name of
the Ethernet card (Tip: words like Ethernet adapter, Ethernet link, or LAN
adapter may be contained in the card name).
B. Installing a network interface card
___1. Assemble your materials.
___2. Find an unused expansion slot inside the computer.
___3. Insert the network interface card into the slot.
___4. Plug in the computer and turn it back on.
___5. Put the computer’s case back together.
___6. Remove the cover from your computer.
___7. Remove the metal slot protector from the back of the computer’s chassis.
___8. Secure the network interface card.
___9. Shut down Windows, turn off the computer and unplug it.