Network interface controller.

Network interface controller.

A MAC Address is a unique bit network hardware identifier that is burned into a ROM chip on the NIC to identify that device on the network. The first bits is called the Organizationally Unique Identifier OUI and is largely manufacturer dependent. Each OUI allows for ,, Unique NIC Addresses.Smaller manufacturers that do not have a need for over unique NIC addresses may opt to purchase an Individual Address Block IAB instead. An IAB consists of the bit OUI, plus a bit extension taken from the potential NIC portion of the MAC addressA wireless network interface controller WNIC is a network card which connects to a radiobased computer network, unlike a regular network interface controller NIC which connects to a wirebased network such as token ring or ethernet. A WNIC, just like a NIC, works on the Layer and Layer of the OSI Model.

A WNIC is an essential component for wireless desktop computer. This card uses an antenna to communicate through microwaves. A WNIC in a desktop computer usually is connected using the PCI bus. Other connectivity options are USB and PC card. In an infrastructure mode network the WNIC needs an access point all data is transferred using the access point as the central hub. All wireless nodes in an infrastructure mode network connect to an access point. All nodes connecting to the access point must have the same service set identifier SSID as the access point, and if the access point is enabled with WEP they must have the same WEP key or other authentication parameters.In an adhoc mode network the WNIC does not require an access point, but rather can directly interface with all other wireless nodes directly. All the nodes in an adhoc network must have the same channel and SSID.

Network interface controller.

Network interface controller.

There are four techniques used to transfer data, the NIC may use one or more of these techniques.Polling is where the microprocessor examines the status of the peripheral under program control.Programmed IO is where the microprocessor alerts the designated peripheral by applying its address to the systems address bus.Interruptdriven IO is where the peripheral alerts the microprocessor that its ready to transfer data.DMA is where the intelligent peripheral assumes control of the system bus to access memory directly. This removes load from the CPU but requires a separate processor on the card.A network card typically has a twisted pair, BNC, or AUI socket where the network cable is connected, and a few LEDs to inform the user of whether the network is active, and whether or not there is data being transmitted on it. Network Cards are typically available in Mbits varieties. This means they can support a transfer rate of , or Megabits per second.

A Network Interface Controller NIC is a hardware interface that handles and allows a network capable device access to a computer network such as the internet. The NIC has a ROM chip that has a unique Media Access Control MAC Address burned into it. The MAC address identifies the vendor and the serial number of the NIC which is unique to the card. Every NIC has a unique MAC address which identifies it on the LAN. The NIC exists on both the Physical Layer Layer and the Data Link Layer Layer of the OSI model.Sometimes the word controller and card is used interchangeably when talking about networking because the most common NIC is the Network Interface Card. Although card is more commonly used, it is in less encompassing. The controller may take the form of a network card that is installed inside a computer, or it may refer to an embedded component as part of a computer motherboard, a router, expansion card, printer interface, or a USB device.