A network interface card or NIC is a device that is installed inside the computer to join it to a local area network, either with CAT5 cable or wireless. The Ethernet network interface card broadcasts a unique adress called the MAC address to the network. Once connected to the network, a computer can share files and Internet access.

Network interface cards are available in bandwidth speeds of 10, 100, or 1,000 Mbps (megabits per second).

Some general information about network cards includes:

1. NIC cards support multiple connection speeds, either 10/100 or 10/100/1000.
2. Wireless network cards include a small antenna, while wired NICs have an RJ45 port.
3. Network cards with a BNC connector are used to connect to older coaxial networks.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Browse online for network interface cards

Generally, a standard PCI network interface card card will do the job and is easy to purchase and install.

I recommend: Check your computer interface. Most NIC cards are installed in a PCI slot, but newer computers may use PCI express and older ones may use ISA. Look for PCI and PCI express network cards at online reseller sites like CDW, Tiger Direct, or PC Connection. For wireless networks running 802.11a, check out the 3Com Wireless 11a/b/g PCI Adapter or the Cisco Aironet 802.11A/B/G Wireless PCI Adapter.

Look for an Ethernet network interface card that meets your special needs

If you run an enterprise network or have an older computer or network, you may have to search a bit for the right NIC.

I recommend: ISA cards can still be purchased from online stores like Multi-Com and Microsource. If you use coaxial cable, you'll need to purchase a discontinued or refurbished DLINK or 3COM combo network interface card. Need to switch between copper and fiber cabling? Look at Allied Telesyn's combo card that supports fiber and copper. For enterprise environments, check out the advanced features of 3COM's enterprise products.

Go gigabit for high-speed network cards

Do you have a gigabit network? Gigabit cards are standard offerings and sell for a reasonable price. Most cards that can run at gigabit are backwards compatible.

I recommend: Look for gigabit cards that can auto-negotiate to run at the highest available network speed, like the ones from Intel, Linksys and Belkin.

Consider managed NIC cards

A managed card can lower support costs with a desktop interface, a central inventory of network resources, and remote wake-on-lan features.

I recommend: Managed NICs include the Intel PRO-100M, the DLINK DFE-550TX, and the Linksys LNE100M.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you buy a new computer, one option is to get a computer network interface card that is integrated into the system board, eliminating the need for a separate NIC.