Network Interface Cards
Every computer on a network, both clients and servers, requires a network interface card (or NIC) in order to access the network. A NIC is usually a separate adapter card that slides into one of the server’s motherboard expansion slots. However, some motherboards have a built-in network interface,
so a separate card isn’t needed.
✦ A NIC is a Physical layer and Data Link layer device. Because a NIC establishes a network node, it must have a physical network address, also known as a MAC address. The MAC address is burned into the NIC at the factory, so you can’t change it. Every NIC ever manufactured has a unique MAC address.
✦ For server computers, it makes sense to use more than one NIC. That way, the server can handle more network traffic. Some server NICs have two or more network interfaces built into a single card.
✦ Fiber-optic networks also require NICs. Fiber-optic NICs are still too expensive for desktop use in most networks. Instead, they’re used for high-speed backbones. If a server connects to a high-speed fiber backbone, it will need a fiber-optic NIC that matches the fiber-optic cable being used.
✦ Long ago and far away, Novell manufactured a network interface card known as the NE2000. The NE2000 card is no longer made, but NE2000 remains a standard of compatibility for network interface cards. If a card is NE2000-compatible, you can use it with just about any network. If you buy a card that is not NE2000-compatible, make sure that the card is compatible with the network operating system that you intend to use.
Every computer on a network, both clients and servers, requires a network interface card (or NIC) in order to access the network. A NIC is usually a separate adapter card that slides into one of the server’s motherboard expansion slots. However, some motherboards have a built-in network interface,
so a separate card isn’t needed.
✦ A NIC is a Physical layer and Data Link layer device. Because a NIC establishes a network node, it must have a physical network address, also known as a MAC address. The MAC address is burned into the NIC at the factory, so you can’t change it. Every NIC ever manufactured has a unique MAC address.
✦ For server computers, it makes sense to use more than one NIC. That way, the server can handle more network traffic. Some server NICs have two or more network interfaces built into a single card.
✦ Fiber-optic networks also require NICs. Fiber-optic NICs are still too expensive for desktop use in most networks. Instead, they’re used for high-speed backbones. If a server connects to a high-speed fiber backbone, it will need a fiber-optic NIC that matches the fiber-optic cable being used.
✦ Long ago and far away, Novell manufactured a network interface card known as the NE2000. The NE2000 card is no longer made, but NE2000 remains a standard of compatibility for network interface cards. If a card is NE2000-compatible, you can use it with just about any network. If you buy a card that is not NE2000-compatible, make sure that the card is compatible with the network operating system that you intend to use.
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