Page 45 - NetWork-En-V3

8.2 Network Interface Card

It is a card installed in the host device to enable it to connect to the network, either
wired or wireless. The NIC can be either internal, mounted on the motherboard inside
the host device, or external. Computer devices can only communicate with other
devices through this card.

The main functions of the Network Interface Card

• Preparing data for broadcasting on the
network.

• Sending and receiving data to and from the
network.

• Controlling the flow of data between the
computer and the transmission medium.

• Translating electrical signals from the
network transmission medium into data
understood by the host device, as well as
converting digital computer data into signals (electrical or optical) that the
transmission medium can carry.

8.3 Communication Medium

The transmission medium is the means through which data is transferred, either in
the form of electrical signals, optical signals, or radio waves exchanged between
devices. It includes various types of cables and wireless media.

We have three types of network cables:

• twisted pair
• coaxial cable
• Fiber optics cable

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