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A '''network card''' (also called '''network adapter''', '''network interface card''', '''NIC''', etc.) is a piece of [[computer hardware]] designed to provide for [[computer communication]] over a [[computer network]].
Whereas network cards used to be [[expansion card]]s to plug into a computer bus, most newer computers have a network interface built into the [[motherboard]], so a separate network card is not required unless multiple interfaces are needed or some other type of network is used.
The card implements the electronic circuitry required to communicate using a specific [[physical layer]] and [[data link layer]] standard such as [[ethernet]] or [[token ring]]. This provides a base for a full network [[protocol stack]], allowing communication among small groups of computers on the same [[LAN]] and large-scale network communications through routable protocols, such as [[Internet Protocol|IP]].
A network card typically has a [[twisted pair]], [[BNC connector|BNC]], or [[Attachment Unit Interface|AUI]] socket where the network cable is connected, and a few [[Light-emitting diode|LED]]s to inform the user of whether the network is active, and whether or not there is data being transmitted on it.
▲Whereas network cards used to be [[expansion card]]s to plug into a computer bus, most newer computers have a network interface built into the [[motherboard]], so a separate network card is not required unless multiple interfaces are needed or some other type of network is used.
==Notable manufacturers==
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