Explain the role of an Ethernet Card (NIC) in a computer network. Highlight…
Explain the role of an Ethernet Card (NIC) in a computer network. Highlight key points including its function, MAC address, and speed evolution.
Attempted by 65 students.
Show answer & explanation
An Ethernet Card, also known as a Network Interface Card (NIC), connects a computer to a network. It is essential for enabling the computer to “speak” to other computers via network cables.
Key points include:
• Definition & Function: Acts as the physical interface between the computer and the network, allowing communication.
• MAC Address: Every NIC has a unique MAC address (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E) permanently burned into it. This MAC address is like a fingerprint for the network card, used for identifying devices on a network.
• Speed Evolution: Standard Ethernet offered 10 Mbps.
Fast Ethernet provided 100 Mbps in the late 90s.
Gigabit Ethernet today offers 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps), and 10-Gigabit is high-end only.
