The Server Network Interface Card (NIC, also known as a network adapter) is necessary hardware.
That is used to provide networks for devices such as servers, computers, and so on.
Because of its many applications, many kinds appear on the market, such as PCIe cards and server network cards.
This article will take a complete look into the hardware component, starting with defining an interface card for networks to its purpose, the elements, and the types.
What Is a Server Network Interface Card?
Before explaining the NIC concept, it's essential to recognize several names for network interface cards based on different regional habits, including networking interface, Server Raid Controller Card, and network adapter.
Adapter card (NAC), It's complicated, but no matter the names that the NIC uses, the same thing is that they all refer to the electronic circuit, which allows devices such as computers and network servers to connect over networks.
The NIC card is designed in an integrated style and is used in all computers and specific network servers.
In addition, network cards such as server network cards may be put into expansion slots on devices.
Functions of Server Network Interface Card
The NIC definition is quite simple, but what exactly does the server network interface card do, and what's the purpose of NIC?
Serving as an interface on the layer of TCP/IP, a NIC card can transmit signals through the physical layer and deliver data packets through the layer of the network.
Whichever level the controller for network connectivity is located, it serves as a mediator between a server and a computer.
When a user is requesting a website, the LAN card collects data from the device used by the user and transmits them to a server located on the Internet.
The server, after which it receives the necessary data via the Internet to display for the users.
Components of Server Network Interface Card
A network adapter comprises controllers, a boot socket for ROM, one or more NIC ports and Refurbished Server Motherboard connection interfaces, LED indicators, a profile bracket, and additional electronic parts.
Each component of a LAN card serves a distinct purpose:
Controller
It acts similar to a mini-Server CPU, processing the information received. As the core component of the network adapter, the controller is the one who decides directly on what the speed of performance is for the adapter.
Boot ROM Socket This socket in the card allows boot ROM capabilities. Boot ROM enabled workstations without disks to connect to the Internet, increasing security while reducing hardware expenses.
The NIC port is for cable or transceiver. Typically, the port is connected to the Ethernet or transceiver to create and receive electronic signals on the network or fiber cable.
Bus interface This interface is placed on the back of the circuit board to connect with the NIC and the computer or server through the expansion slot.
LED indicators
Users use these indicators to identify the state on a card connected to the network., i.e. whether there is a connection to the web and data transmitted.
Profile bracket Two types of profile brackets are available on the market. One is the full-height bracket with 12 cm in length, while the other is the lower-profile bracket with the size of 8 centimeters.
This bracket will assist users in fixing the NIC inside the expansion slot on the server or computer.
Types of Network Interface Card
The server network interface card may be classified into various types according to different attributes like host interfaces transmission speed, fields of application. This section will provide information.
Network Connection Based Classifications
Bus Interfaces Based Classifications
Port Type Based Classifications
Transmission Speed Based Classifications
Application Fields Based Classification
