Network Interface Card (NIC)

A NIC (pronounced 'nick') is also known as a network card. It connects the computer to the cabling, which in turn links all of the computers on the network together. Each computer on a network must have a network card. Most modern network cards are 10/100 NICs and can operate at either 10Mbps or 100Mbps.

Only NICs supporting a minimum of 100Mbps should be used in new installations schools.
Computers with a wireless connection to a network also use a network card (see Advice Sheet 20 for more information on wireless networking).