Types of network cards. What is a network card? Review of Intel EXPI9301CT

Hello friends! Today our focus is on the network card. What it is and what it is for, or you can do without such a component, we will consider in this publication.

What it is

In the environment of English-speaking PC users, this device is called the Network Interface Controller, or NIC. Other popular names are network adapter or Ethernet adapter.

As you might guess from the name, the device serves to connect the computer to the network, both local and worldwide. The simplest use case is a home LAN of two computers, which allows you to organize file sharing. More complex, requiring maintenance by appropriate specialists - local area of \u200b\u200ba small enterprise.

In fact, Internet access is performed from a regular home network, consisting directly of the computer itself, as well as a modem and / or router.

Also, a network card is used to access a network printer - you must admit, it is not too economical in any institution to provide a printer to each computer when one productive device can handle the flow of tasks. You can read more about this in the article “ What is the network card used for».
Naturally, you can do without a network card even today, in 2018. However, the functionality of such a computer will be curtailed - you can only run files that are stored on the hard drive, and you will have to copy new data using a flash drive or CD.

Design features and principle of operation

What does such a device consist of? Even in the simplest design, the following elements should be present:

• Input and output buffers;
• Encoder and decoder;
• Transmitting and Receiving Shift Registers;
• Physical interface;
• Counting unit;
• Control logic.

If you explain the principle of the adapter in simple terms, you should remember that the exchange of information is carried out frame by frame. When transmitting, the PC places the packet in the input buffer and issues a command to send. After waiting for the transmission window, the logic copies the data into the transmit register, where the parallel data is transformed into a serial bit stream.

The encoder converts this bipolar code into a code for transmission (in the case of Ethernet, this is the so-called "Manchester code", which is already sent to "walk the wires" until it reaches the addressee. Information is received from the network according to the same principle, but in the reverse order ...

It is important to know that any network card has a unique MAC-address by which it can be identified among millions of similar devices. And if for an advanced user banning by IP does not cause any difficulties (just start the VPN and go under a different address), then blocking by MAC is a much more serious problem.

Requires a change in the configuration of the network card at the hardware level, which implies a complete flashing. So, if you get banned by MAC somewhere, the least expensive way to bypass blocking is to install an additional network adapter.
Among IT people, there was once a joke about an even more serious method of blocking - the so-called super ban. Its essence is that one of the administrators of the forum or site personally visits the user and hits his face, once and for all discouraging the desire to flood and violate the terms of the user agreement in other ways.

However, the medal also has a downside: the owner of the Wi-Fi router can only allow some devices to access the network by MAC address. This is true if your technically advanced neighbor, not wanting to pay for the Internet, uses your channel.

Types of network cards and their characteristics

Several types of slots are used to connect external devices:

• 8P8C (which we often mistakenly call RJ-45) - eight-core twisted pair;
• BNC - thin coaxial cable;
• 15-pin AUI - thick coaxial cable;
• Optical connectors.

Of course, you can connect several cables to one network card at once, but at a given time, only one of them will transmit data. It should be noted that the presence of all slots is not necessary at all. The most popular option is 8P8C, which is found in almost every network card.

For the convenience of the user, such a slot is equipped with LEDs that light up when a LAN cable is connected.

By the type of connection, devices are divided into external and internal. An integrated microcircuit is built into the motherboard (keep in mind that it is almost always present in modern models).

It should also be remembered that the network card requires the installation of the appropriate driver for correct operation, so I recommend keeping a disk with drivers for the motherboard or making a backup copy of important data.

Why, you might ask? When reinstalling Windows (and many users do it at least once a year), all drivers are removed. You can download them on the Internet, however, without drivers, the network card does not work.

If there is only one computer at home and there is no mobile phone with Internet access, you will have to use another device to download the required drivers.
Discrete cards are most often connected via a PCI slot (in the system unit) or via USB (can also be used with a laptop). They can be connected to the network using a cable, or have additional wireless interfaces - Wi ‐ Fi and / or Bluetooth. Why "Blue Tooth" in a modern computer?

For connecting wireless headphones and keypads, this is one of the most convenient options, and the basic transmitter that comes with the kit tends to get lost.

You can also use two network cards in one computer - for example, built-in and external. However, as is the case with different connection ports, at a certain point in time, only one of them will transmit data.

How much such a device costs depends on its technical characteristics, one of the key ones, among which is speed (100 Mbit and 1000 Mbit).

Mid-range prices - from $ 4 for the simplest device equipped with an 8P8C port and connected via PCI, to a high-speed wireless data card equipped with a powerful antenna and a long USB cable that costs $ 80.

Devices with any required characteristics, at the best price, you will find in this popular online store... I also advise you to read and network cards with Wi ‐ Fi.

In the world of technological progress and global computerization, rapidly developing technologies have touched every modern user. Access to the World Wide Web is no longer limited to using only one computer.

Today, in every home, almost all family members, young and old, have one or more different devices with access to the network. In this case, it is very convenient to install a Wi-Fi access point and send a signal to any connected equipment. Modern devices such as laptops, tablets, phones have built-in Wi-Fi receivers, making them easy to connect to a network.

A network card, or network adapter, is the part of a computer that makes it interact with the network. With the exception of outdated device models, many laptops and computers are equipped with a network adapter during production. This provides the ability to connect to the internet without purchasing a separate item. But, despite the built-in adapter, you can and should purchase an additional external device, expanding the data exchange capabilities.

The network card can be integrated into the motherboard or external. Regardless of the type, it is assigned a Mac address, thanks to which the identification of the computer connected to the network is carried out.

Wi-Fi network card

The computer can be connected to the Internet physically using a cable connected to the PC's network port, or wirelessly, which does not require the use of connectors.

The Wi-Fi network card causes the computer to receive the signal from the wireless network. It can be connected to the PCI slot of the motherboard or the USB port of a computer, less often to Ethernet (basically, this type of connection is applicable to old devices). A Wi-Fi card plugged into the USB port of a PC or laptop is the most convenient in terms of mobility, it is easy to connect it to another device if necessary.

In addition to the connection method and appearance, there are differences in the speed and power of the adapter. Some cards are only capable of receiving signals, while others are also capable of transmitting. Adapters equipped with Soft AP function provide Wi-Fi access point creation.

The range of reception and transmission of a signal can be carried out both over long distances up to hundreds of meters, and limited to a small access area. As in the case of a router, there is no need to use too powerful network cards for home use, unless, of course, you are going to distribute Wi-Fi to all neighbors or pick up someone else's signal. In addition, the price will depend on the power of the model, and it is inappropriate to overpay for a card that will work in a small area. More hefty models of adapters are applicable on a large territory of offices or enterprises.

How the Wi-Fi adapter works

Access to the Internet over a wireless network is carried out thanks to the joint work of a network card and a router or modem. Wi-Fi technology works on a specific frequency range. Data exchange with the network is carried out through a router or a modem, which communicates with the air by radio waves. For computer perception of the radio signal, a network card is used, which reads and converts the signal into an electronic one. All devices equipped with an adapter and within the range of the router's transmitter will receive the received signal. To digitize the data for their recognition by the device, the adapter is equipped with a microcircuit and special software that controls the operation of the module. For the correct operation process, the necessary drivers must be installed.

Types of adapters

All adapters fall into two main categories:

External. Such network devices are connected via the USB port of a computer or laptop. They do not have a high data transfer rate, but they pleasantly compensate for this disadvantage with a price, which is why they are the most popular today. In appearance, such adapters are similar to USB drives. To get started, you need to plug the device into a free port and connect to a wireless connection.

Internal, or built-in. They are connected to the PCI connector of the motherboard. To install this type of adapter, you will have to remove the cover of the system unit. The size of the built-in network card is larger than that of the external one. This variant of the device has a good bandwidth, providing a high data transfer rate. The price of the issue will be significantly higher than that of external adapters.

There is another, not widely used version of devices - card (Card-Bus). Adapters of this type are connected to a PC Card slot, if one is available in your computer equipment.

Wireless network cards can be connected not only to computers and laptops. A separate niche is occupied by external adapters for TVs. They can be both universal and designed for specific models. If the TV is not equipped with a Wi-Fi receiver, but has the appropriate connector, you can purchase a compatible adapter to connect to a network source.

Antennas for network cards

A device with an external antenna receives the signal better. Of course, the dimensions of the receiver do not always contribute to comfort, so you can choose an adapter with a removable antenna or with a connector, where you can insert it if necessary.

The antenna power when choosing a device should be suitable for the location where you want to install the network.

The number of antennas affects the transmission rate. Models equipped with removable antennas are very convenient in the case of a distant location of the router, if necessary, it is possible to install a more powerful structure for receiving radio waves. External antennas provide long range.

Installing and configuring a Wi-Fi adapter

Despite the significant differences in network cards by type and type of connection, they are all configured according to a similar principle.

First, you need to connect the adapter physically to the desired connector on your computer or laptop. Windows will detect new hardware. Although there will always be compatible programs in the system set of programs, it is still better to install the drivers from the disk supplied with the network device for correct operation. You can also download the necessary software from the manufacturer's official website. Data exchange through the adapter is due to the driver, which is why it is better to install software that is suitable specifically for your device model.

After installing the Wi-Fi card, a network connection icon will appear, click on it and find the TCP / IP Internet protocol in the properties of the wireless network connection. Here you need to enter the settings of the network parameters, they need to be found out by contacting the technical support of your provider and entered in the fields for filling. Settings can also be assigned automatically. When you have selected the desired options and access points, it remains to assign a Mac address to the card. This task is performed by the network administrator, to do this, call the technical support and notify about the adapter change and the need to change the Mac address.

When choosing a network device, pay attention not only to the functionality, because you will not use all the capabilities of the card, and the price for a wide range of functions will increase several times. Pay attention to some factors, such as the size of your room in which the Wi-Fi network will be used, the distance between the router and the computer, and the thickness of the walls. The manufacturer also plays a significant role in the reliability of products, it is better to choose a proven, proven product quality, such in the computer equipment market in abundance. It is advisable to purchase adapters from the same manufacturer as the router or modem, thereby ensuring the best device compatibility.

It is impossible to connect to the Internet if the computer does not have a network adapter into which a cable is installed, led to the room by the provider. That is why almost every motherboard has a built-in adapter. But if it is missing or out of order, it becomes necessary to install a network card. You can find out how to do this in our guide.

Adapter check

If you set up a Netgear WNR612V2 router or any other router, you must have seen a network card port (RJ-45) on the back of the system unit. It looks like this:

If the connector is near other ports (usually USB) - you are dealing with an integrated network card.
If the RJ-45 port is located separately from other connectors, then your system unit has a separate card that is responsible for connecting to the network.

After detecting the port, you need to verify that the hardware is installed correctly in the system.

To do this, go to the "Device Manager" and make sure that the network card is detected, and its drivers are installed correctly.
Reinstall them if necessary.

The network adapter can also be disabled in the BIOS. Reboot your computer and enter the basic I / O system.

Look for the PCI Confuguration option (usually found under the Advanced section) Check that LAN Controller is set to Enabled.

Connection

If you do not find the connector you need on the back of the system unit, you will have to connect your network card.

Important! Please make sure your motherboard has the correct slot for installing the board before purchasing.

Usually cards are produced with PCI interface, but there are also models that support PCI-E technology. They are not interchangeable, so if the interface is incorrectly selected, you will not be able to connect equipment.

A universal option is a USB card that will fit any computer.

The procedure for installing a network card is no different from connecting a video card to a computer:

After the system starts up, a message about new hardware found will appear on the screen. You just have to install the drivers so that the device works correctly.

There are no related articles.

So what is a network card? A network card is part of a computer's hardware configuration. This device allows us to connect a computer to the network and provides interaction with it. NICs are often called network interface cards, network adapters, or LAN adapters.

Network cards were originally an additional component that could be purchased and installed on a computer not immediately, but after some time. However, it has now become apparent that network cards are a standard computer component that is installed in most laptops and computers sold.

Often, they are integrated into motherboards or other devices during the manufacturing process. If the card is installed in a computer system, then it reveals itself when connected to the network by small flickering LEDs that are located at the network connector.

Network card identification

Any network card must be unique, so they are equipped with an address, which is commonly called MAC for short. With it, you can identify any computer that transmits data over the network.

What is a Wireless Network Card

Nowadays, using network cards, you can connect computers using a cable (physical) connection, or even do without it, using the so-called wireless interface. When using a cable connection, a standard network port is usually selected, which has an "RJ-45" \u200b\u200bconnector. Different physical ports and interfaces are not required to connect wirelessly to the network.

The principle of operation of the wireless card is quite simple. A wireless modem is responsible for receiving and transmitting data from the Internet. The data from your provider will go to the external port (cable input) of the wireless router, after which it will be converted into a radio signal, which will be broadcast through the antenna. If wireless network cards are in the field of action of the router's transmitter, they will receive a signal and then convert it into an electronic signal that the computer can understand.

In any case, besides the fact that the wireless network card does not require physical contact with it, its configuration is no different from the usual one. Both wireless and wired cards nowadays offer almost the same data transfer rate.

For starters, you should know that there are 2 types of network adapters, built-in and discrete (coming as a separate module). The advantage of these is independence from the motherboard, which allows you not to spend extra money in the event of a computer repair.

As some users recommend, in order to buy a good adapter, it is enough to take a well-known brand, you should not even pay attention to little-known ones. But still, there are a few tricks, because of which the purchase will be in vain. We will talk about these further.

What is a network adapter or network controller?

A network adapter is an additional device with which computers organize a high-speed wired channel to the Internet. Like devices, the adapter runs an OS driver to allow customization of features.

Nowadays, every computer or laptop is equipped with a built-in adapter, which allows you not to select these devices separately if you want to pick a computer.

There are also wireless adapters or WiFi adapters specially made to receive a wireless signal from a router or any device that broadcasts the Internet. Such devices are connected to USB or PCI. At the same time, they have significant limitations in bandwidth. At least this is true for the old USB 2.0 interface - its limitation is 12 Mbit / s. Therefore, it is worth considering the choice of a USB-network adapter only as a last resort, when there are no longer any options to organize a connection to the network.

For those who do not want to delve into all the nuances and features, and study the characteristics of devices, we have prepared ratings of popular network cards based on user reviews.
But we still recommend that you read the article to form your own opinion and choose devices based on the parameters you need.

PCI Network Adapters for Desktop

USB to ethernet adapters for laptops

Main characteristics of network cards

Network cards are characterized by the following properties:

What are the network cards by the connection method?

• 1. PCI
• A common type of network card that is standard on most computers. By themselves, they are reliable and better than built-in cards.
• The abbreviation stands for (PeripheralComponentInterconnect), or in Russian: the interconnection of peripheral components.

Connect directly to the motherboard.

Network adapter speed

Internet speed does not fully depend on the one provided to you by your provider. It is important what network adapter you have and how the device is connected to the Internet.

So, if your Internet is connected directly via a twisted pair cable, then the default settings are set to a speed of 10 Mbps.

If you have connected yourself to the Internet at high speed, and your computer is old and you have not purchased an external network adapter, then you will notice the standard 10 Mbps. In order not to darken your mood and not pay big money for not fast Internet, you need to adjust the speed in the settings for the network connection, but first you have to buy a network adapter with good bandwidth, since the old built-in one may not be designed for such speeds.

Which network card to choose for a laptop?

Note that it's best not to choose an embedded network card for your laptop if you don't understand it. For a laptop, choosing this is more difficult due to the nature of the portable connectors. In this case, it is easier to give the laptop to knowledgeable people who will do everything for you.

If you do not want to spend money on repairs or look for a good master, then use a USB card as an option. As the name implies, connect to the USB connector, connect the twisted pair to the card, configure and you're done! But the catch is that then the laptop cannot be connected to WiFI in any way.

Which network card should I choose for my computer?

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when choosing cards:

• Don't buy lesser-known brands. If you have no difference to the manufacturer or characteristics, it is enough to purchase a product from a well-known company, then the chance to make a mistake with the purchase is minimal;
• Check compatibility withPCI bus.Find out how the computer device is made. And it is important to know what connection options exist, otherwise it might happen that the card is incompatible with the bus.

Otherwise, there are no differences. The main thing to know is that the PCI card has an advantage over the built-in one, due to the fact that due to the breakdown of the latter, you will have to tinker, moreover, the malfunction will damage the motherboard. This will not happen with PCI, it will take a hit and replacement will be easy.