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A NIC, or Network Interface Card, is a computer hardware component that allows a computer to connect to a network, either via a wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi) connection. It enables data to be sent and received between the computer and other network devices, such as routers or switches, by handling the physical transmission of data and translating it into a format the computer can understand. NICs operate at the Physical and Data Link layers of the OSI model.

Key functions

Data transmission: Sends and receives data packets over the network.

Signal conversion: Converts digital data from the computer into signals suitable for the network and vice-versa.

Error checking: Checks data packets for errors, requesting a resend or correcting them as needed.

Addressing: Manages a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address to identify the device on the network.