Network Interface Cards

Network interface cards (NIC) provide the connection for network cabling to servers and workstations. An NIC first of all, provides the connector to attach the network cable to a server or a workstation. The on-board circuitry then provides the protocols and commands required to support this type of network card. An NIC has additional memory for buffering incoming and outgoing data packets, thus improving the network throughput. A slot may also be available for remote boot PROM, permitting the board to be mounted in a diskless workstation. Network interface cards are available in 8-bit bus or in faster 16-bit bus standards.