Network card is a necessary component of a computer without which a computer cannot be connected over a network. It is also known as network adaptor or Network Interface Card (NIC). Most computers have pre-installed network card. There are two types of network cards—Internal and External Network Cards.
1. Internal Network Cards:
Motherboard has a slot for internal network card where it is to be inserted. Internal network cards are of two types, in which first type uses Peripheral Component Interconnect while the second types uses Industry Standard Architecture. Network cables are required to provide network access.
2. External Network Cards:
External network cards come in two type—Wireless and USB based. Wireless Network Card need to be inserted into the motherboard but no network cable is required to connect to network.
