Network card for a computer. Network card on a computer

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Many people working for computer or laptop, they don’t even know what a network card is needed on a computer for. How important is it for normal operation operating system. And if there is no need to connect to the Internet or perform tasks to create a local network, you may not think for a long time about what important role it can play Ethernet network card. But there comes a time when problems begin to connect to the Internet using a cable. Or there is a need to connect another computer to the Internet or local network - you have to go to the store and choose an additional network card for the computer.

Why do you need an Ethernet network card in a computer?

The Ethernet network card capability allows you to connect just one network device to organize additional connection, you need to purchase another such board, you should always remember this.

Need to know that network card It is also intended for exchanging information over twisted pair cable (Ethernet). This is a more conventional protocol cable. And the board provides a high-speed coaxial connection via the 1394 protocol, and also organizes Bluetooth or Wi-Fi wireless networks. Therefore, in order to properly organize the necessary network structure, you need to take seriously the characteristics of the card itself. The characteristics of the new device must correspond to the tasks assigned to it in the current period.

It is possible to provide access to documents, printers, shared folders or organize your home network differently. This is done using a network card already built into the motherboard. When routers and routers are used, as is usually the case in practice, one network card will do the job. However, the process of creating a network will be quite complex. Using one device you will have to connect the Internet and your home network. For normal operation of the network with such a connection, you will need to additionally invite a specialist in this field. Although the need to organize such complex networks does not arise very often.

Connect and provide communication between two computers in home network Only one network card built into the motherboard can do it. To connect to the Internet, you will need to have two network cards, one of which is responsible only for connecting to the Internet. Organizing a connection of two computers in this way in a small company or office is more convenient, simple and profitable. You don't have to purchase and configure a router. The advantage of a network card over a router is its small size. In addition, to set up a router you need to have certain skills and abilities. And another positive quality of a network card is that the connection additional device reduces the reliability of the entire system.

The disadvantage of this scheme is that the main computer with two cards must be constantly turned on, since the Internet will go through it. The router, even in always-on mode, will consume much less electricity, and there is no noise from it. But there are situations when a second network card is simply necessary, for example, in one cafe I worked with, a cash register was connected to the computer via one network card, transmitting its readings to the accounting program, and a router with a local network was connected to the other.

Discrete network card or built-in?

Sometimes it becomes necessary to install an additional network card, even if you have a working one built into the motherboard. Why? I have repeatedly said that devices that are made to perform one task are much better than combined ones. Therefore, a discrete, that is, separate, as a rule, is more reliable and stable in operation than the built-in network card, which is installed by default in motherboard. Good manufacturer puts all the emphasis on the quality of the card, which means that there will be no savings on its components, for example, the chipset. Also, discrete network cards have a number of other additional features, for example, lightning protection - there are often examples when, during a thunderstorm, the network card built into the motherboard burned out in a working computer.

Which network card to choose for a Windows computer?

Before you go to the store, you need to ask yourself a few questions that will guide you which product to look for:

For computer

For desktop computer experts advise choosing a card compatible with the PCI bus, which consistently exchanges data via twisted pair. At the same time, you need to know that the PCI bus is more common, and it is combined with IBM technology. If the computer device is made according to a different scheme, it may be a MAC, you need to choose a network card that can operate over twisted pair cable. When purchasing such a card, you need to become familiar with the connection options. It may happen that, having purchased a network card, it will be impossible to connect it, because some buses are not compatible with each other, either electrically or in software.

For laptop

The network card for a laptop looks a little different in appearance due to the features of the portable connectors on the laptop's motherboard. It will be more difficult for a beginner to buy it and change it, so the best option- take it to service center, where specialists will do this, or connect a USB adapter (in the picture below there are 2 network cards for the laptop - cable and wireless).

Wireless network adapter

Organization wireless network will require USB selection or PCI devices Wi-Fi technology. And even in this case, there is no need to buy and connect a router. The choice of network card should mainly be influenced by the connection speed and how it is connected. IN in this case A PCI device is more convenient; there must be free PCI slots. If they are absent, preference should be given to choosing a USB card. And it is important to consider compatibility with the protocol of these boards. In addition, they must be able to connect with each other.

Network cards designed for high speed connection via the IEEE 1394 protocol. Although they were originally designed for tree-based connections various devices. These are devices such as DV cameras, external network drives And so on. However, when using them, it is possible to organize very productive and sufficiently fast connections between computers. A big obstacle to the use of such network cards is their high cost. These boards are much more expensive when compared to the prices of Ethernet boards designed for exchanging information over twisted pair cables.

Manufacturers of network cards

Today in stores you can see network cards from many manufacturers: Realtek, ASUS, Acorp, D-Link, Compex, ZyXEL, Intel, TP-LINK and so on. But you need to take into account that each company makes products for a specific target audience. For ordinary users On the Internet, the most popular cards are Acorp and D-Link - they are inexpensive and at the same time very high quality. The likes of Intel and TP-Link focus on making fairly powerful and expensive products for organizations to install on servers.

Additional technologies that improve performance and convenience that can be implemented in network cards:

BootRom - allows you to turn on your PC over a local network via remote computer.
PCI BUS-Mastering - to optimize the operation of the network card, which relieves the load from the main processor of the computer.
Wake-on-LAN - allows you to turn on your computer using a local network. For it to work properly, the computer must have a motherboard that supports this technology, and the computer must be connected to the network using a special cable if it does not support PCI 2.2.
TCP Checksum Offload - also allows the network card to save the processor from unnecessary work. A network card with TCP Checksum Offload support independently processes service information that arrives along with the main data over the network, freeing the processor from this work.
Interrupt Moderation - reduces the number of requests to the processor. This function will be especially useful in gigabit network cards, which carry a greater flow of information than conventional ones.
Jumbo Frame - allows you to speed up receiving data from large packets three times faster.

What network card is installed on a Windows 7 computer?

Before purchasing a new one, it would be a good idea to find out which network card is installed in your this moment in computer. This will also be useful if you need to update drivers for it after installation on your computer.

This is very easy to do - I’m showing on Windows 7. So, we follow the path “Start > Control Panel > System”. Here, in the left menu, select “Hardware and Sound” and click on “Device Manager” in the “Devices and Printers” section

Click on the plus sign next to the line “ Network adapters» open the list of boards installed on the computer.

As you can see, finding out which network card is currently installed on the computer is not difficult. But it also happens that the system does not see the network card. This time might help third party program, for example, AIDA, which will scan all devices and identify them.

That's all for today, I hope you have decided which discrete or built-in network card is right for you, how to recognize it and which one is better to purchase. I'm sure you will right choice!

Any modern computing system is a complex of interacting devices, each of which performs specific functions. For example, a video card is designed to generate signals that are converted by the monitor into an image; sound - for audio output; network card - for connecting several computing systems etc.

All of them, being collected in unified system, form a computer. That is why it is so important to understand the operating features of devices and know their main characteristics. The topic of our article today is the network card.

Currently, the market offers several modifications of such devices, which differ in the manufacturer, the communication chip used, maximum speed operation, connection method to the computer motherboard and data transmission medium. Let's look at each point in more detail.

Manufacturer

There are several companies that manufacture such devices. When choosing, you should pay attention Special attention on the chip used - it is its characteristics that determine the realized capabilities. These can be products from Realtek, Intel, Qualcomm, i.e. all those directly involved in production

Despite the fact that the main task of the devices is the same, the “firewood” for the network card (the program in operating system, work manager) y different manufacturers may have different additional features. For example, intelligent control power supply, the way the wakeup command is processed, and setting the frame size is not present in all solutions, and the implementation may differ. If the network card must support specific capabilities, then the choice must be approached only after thorough preparation. For ordinary users Any network card will do, the main thing is that the speeds match and the transmission principle is suitable.

In addition, the cost of functionally identical solutions largely depends on the manufacturer. When purchasing products from a famous developer, you often have to overpay “for the name.” It is believed that these models have higher reliability than budget ones. This is partly true. At the same time, network D-Link card(as well as any other manufacturer) can be purchased for different amounts. We will indicate the reasons for this below.

Hardware capabilities

In order to process a stream of digital data in a certain way, the network card performs a fairly large amount of calculations - it forms packets in accordance with standards, controls reception/transmission, etc.

Moreover, the resources of the central processing core are used for this. That is why, with a large volume of transferred data, a general slowdown may occur. To solve this feature, the chips in some network card models are capable of processing the data stream independently, without using this is called hardware processing. It can be complete or partial. Thus, to organize a simple network, an inexpensive card with program controlled, but for more complex units it is recommended to pay attention to more advanced models.

Speed

Productivity is one of the key characteristics similar devices. According to the standard, cards can support 10, 100, and 1000 megabits per second. All modern solutions, in which an RJ-45 connector is used to connect the cable, are compatible with each other, that is, models with 10 and 1000 Mbit can be connected with the same cable. In this case, the protocols will be automatically reconfigured to a lower speed. Thus, if you need to connect two computers to a 1 Gbit network, then, having the necessary cable and cards, this can be easily done. However, if there is an intermediate element between them, for example, a 100 Mbit switch, then the overall speed will be limited by it.

Wednesday

Cable and radio frequencies can be used for this. Cards using last decision, most often work according to Wi-Fi standard. Now they are very popular, as organizing a network is much simpler. The transmission speed when using a radio channel does not exceed 300 Megabits.

Let's touch on a topic like the network card of our computer. Let's start with the fact that network cards are different and may differ both in the range of tasks they solve and in form factor ( appearance). The network card is also often called (Ethernet controller, network or NIC (Network Interface Card) adapter).

First of all, let's divide network cards into two large groups:

External network cards
Built-in or integrated (onboard)

Let's start with the external ones. From the name itself it follows that network cards of this type are installed additionally into the computer (with a separate expansion card) or as another external device.

First, let's talk about PCI network maps The abbreviation stands for (Peripheral Component Interconnect) - the interconnection of peripheral components or - an input-output bus for connecting peripheral devices to. These cards are called that because they are installed in one of the PCI slots (connectors). Here they are, in fact:

On my own PCI interface has a peak throughput for the 32-bit version operating at a frequency of 33.33 MHz at 133 MB/s, the connector voltage consumption is 3.3 or 5V. Serves for installing additional expansion cards into the computer (old video cards, modems, network adapters, TV tuners, various video capture and video conversion cards, etc.).

So, what network cards are installed there? And here are the most common dollars for five or six:

There are adapters of another type - Wi-Fi (for organizing wireless networks).

As you can see, the connection interface is the same (PCI), but the operating principle is different.

Now, due to the gradual "dying away" of this interface PCi Express 1X form factor network cards are being produced.

This applies to external network cards. There are also built-in (integrated into the motherboard) cards. You can determine the presence of a built-in network by looking at the back wall system unit.

Here we can visually observe the output of the integrated network card. One or more information LEDs are installed next to the twisted pair connector, which can be used to indicate the presence of a connection and the general activity of the network.

By the way, using these LEDs you can indirectly get an idea of the performance of the device. Let me explain my point: when the computer is turned on and the network cable ( twisted pair) is connected to the card, the LED on it blinks, as they say, in time with the reception (transmission) of information data packets by the adapter to the network.

If the network adapter is not working, the behavior of the indicators may be as follows:

None of the LEDs light up at all
The LED is constantly "on" (not blinking)
The indicator blinks, but absolutely monotonously. The period and amplitude of this “blinking” are the same throughout the entire time

So, take note of such moments. Everything is in the details! :)

From the markings we see that this is an RTL chip (from Realtek) with number 8211BL.

Notes e: built-in solutions, unfortunately, are not reliable. In our organization, for example, failures of integrated network cards happen regularly. I can’t say that often, but consistently. By the way, my work computer (bought half a year ago) literally burned out the network card the other day, which once again strengthened my opinion about the unreliability of the integrated components. I had to install an external one.

I want you to take a close look at the following photo:

Here we look inside the network card connector. Do you notice the difference? One connector (on the right in the photo) has four contact pads, and the other (on the left) has eight. Moreover, both cards are designed for network transmission speeds of 100 megabits per second.

What's the catch here? And he, in any case, is present here :) Let's remember what the twisted pair cable itself looks like, with the help of which we laid networks in one of our free lessons.

It is correctly called UTP cable (Unshielded Twisted Pair - unshielded twisted pair). The fact that it is twisted (twisted) we can clearly see from the photo above. Its individual conductors are twisted around each other to improve the noise immunity of the entire cable as a whole.

The designation "unshielded" implies that there is no additional protective screen(braid) made of foil or metal. Again - for better cable protection. And “pair” because the conductors in the cable are twisted in pairs and according to color (white-orange - orange, white-green - green, white-brown - brown, white-blue - blue).

Now - the most important: to ensure data transmission over a network at a speed of 100 megabits per second, you do not need to use all four pairs (eight conductor cores), two pairs (four cores) are enough! Moreover, strictly defined numbers are used: first, second, third And sixth postings

Directly from the RJ-45 connector it looks like this:

According to the above, to ensure a speed of 100 megabits, we use “veins” numbered 1, 2, 3 and 6. Look at the figure above. These are two pairs: orange and green.

Note: Naturally, it is up to us to decide which cores to use when terminating the cable. The main thing to remember is that these should be the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th conductor (for networks with a transmission speed of 100 megabits/s).

Now look again at the photo, which shows a close-up of the computer’s network card connectors. There are only four in the right image contact pads: first, second, third, the next two are skipped and then... which one? That's right - sixth! :)

When are all eight sites used? In networks with transmission speeds of one Gibabit per second (and higher). That's where all the guides are network cable used to the fullest :)

So, for some reason you and I (or rather, I alone :)) “veered” away from the main topic. What other network cards are there? Let's look at an external adapter for a laptop based on the PCMCIA standard. This - external board extension, which is inserted into the corresponding slot.

PCMCIA stands for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association computer cards memory). Initially, the standard was developed for memory expansion cards. After some time, the specification was expanded and became possible use"PCMCIA" for connecting various peripheral devices. As a rule, network cards, modems or hard drives are connected through it.

Imagine an unpleasant picture: your laptop (to the left three times) the card built into it has failed. What to do? The solution is in the photo below:

There are, however, other solutions that are suitable not only for mobile computers, but also for stationary ones. This - USB network cards.

They can be made in different ways, but the principle of their operation does not change. Here, for example, are two such devices in the photo below:

Or even like this, more like a flash drive :)

I was about to end the article here, but... changed my mind! :) I also wanted to tell you about a type of external network cards called server network cards, which are used in high-performance systems and have more advanced (compared to conventional adapters) networking capabilities.

As a rule, they have a standard connection interface - PCI (or its extended version - PCI-X). Here, for example, is a server network card " D-Link DFE-580TX».

As you can see, these are essentially four network adapters combined into one physical device. Each of the four network ports (cards) has its own MAC address (a unique 12-digit physical identifier of any card or other network device). At the same time, the entire group of ports can be assigned one logical identifier (IP address). For the operating system, a group of such cards looks like one virtual card.

Note: MAC (Media Access Control) address is also often called a physical or hardware address (Hardware Address). For example: the MAC address of my network adapter at work is 00-1B-11-B3-C8-82. There cannot be two identical hardware addresses on a network. You can find it out by entering on the command line: ipconfig /all or such a wonderful team using the utility of the same name, like getmac. Getmac will show you everything in a very convenient and clear form MAC addresses all network devices installed on the computer.

Let's continue. Combining several cards into one becomes possible using the “Port Aggregation” technology (aggregation or port consolidation). Port aggregation means combining several network segments into one with greater performance. When several network ports form one virtual one, then it throughput(theoretically) equals the performance of an individual port multiplied by their number.

Server network cards can operate in two main modes. Let's take a closer look at them. Using the software that comes with cards of this class, you can configure each port as “active” (load balancing mode) or reserve any ports to ensure fault tolerance (recovery mode).

The network load sharing (distribution) mode evenly passes network traffic(data flow) through active segments, reducing the overall load on the adapter, and recovery mode (in the event of a physical connection failure) ensures uninterrupted communication between the network card and the network.

What else is good about a server network card on a computer? Depending on its “sophistication” :) it can implement computational functions (counting and generating checksums data frames transmitted over the network) in hardware, without additional load.

On such adapters specialized LSIs are installed (Large Integrated Circuits), which take on a significant part of the work (collision detection, assembly and disassembly of data packets, checking frame checksums and retransmitting damaged packets). Thus, as we have already said, a significant part of the load is removed from the processor, which already has something to do in a server system :)

Moreover, expensive server network cards have their own processor installed. Such maps show very good performance at work, because they can effectively cope even with heavy workloads. Availability own processor allows you to install up to one megabyte on them. And this already transfers these products from the category of just network cards to the category of communication network processors.

It should also be noted that useful function, as self-healing drivers for such devices. What it is? For example, after a network failure, the adapter can independently decide to restart the network card driver and enable integrity checking network connection or even forcefully disable the failed port.

A computer network card (Ethernet adapter, Network-adapter) is needed in order to receive an Internet signal. It can be built into the motherboard or removable. Knowing the brand of the network card is necessary to replace it or install drivers. We will tell you where to find your computer's network card in this article.

The easiest way to find out the Internet adapter and not harm your computer is through Device Manager. You can enter it different ways. Let's look at the fastest one first. So, double-click on the “Computer” icon on the desktop or go through the “Start” menu to the same section. A window opened with hard drives. We are not interested in them now. We look up the screen to the blue stripe. We see buttons, including “System Properties”, click it. A system information window appears, by examining which you will learn about the main characteristics of your computer. Now click on the “Device Manager” button located in the left top corner. The treasured window has opened where you can see all the computer parts.

The second way to enter the dispatcher is through the control panel. Click “Start” and click on the “Control Panel” button. A new window pops up, where we click “Hardware and Sound”.

In the first tab – Devices and Printers – find the “Device Manager” button and click. The long-awaited window has opened. Among the list of names, look for “Network adapters”, click on this line. A list of installed tools for connecting to the Internet opens. These include not only the network card, but also built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Often, network card manufacturers "Realtek" And "Atheros". In any case, look for a device where there is text “PCIe Controller”.

You can find out all the information about the Ethernet adapter using a special command. To do this, hold down the buttons Win+R, then enter "cmd" and press OK. In the window that appears, write the command “ipconfig/all” and click Enter. All data about network devices. Look for the item Ethernet adapter. The “Description” line will contain the full name of the network card. When working with command line be careful. Entering another command can have a serious impact on the health of the computer.

If the computer refuses to cooperate with you and does not show the network card, you will have to remove it and inspect it. This method is only relevant for desktop computers. On the board you will find a sticker with the name, enter it into the search engine. In order for the computer to “see” the device and connect to the Internet, install the drivers. Go to a friend and download software for your network card model. Use only official websites of manufacturers.

A device such as a network card allows a laptop or computer to work on the Internet and local network via WiFi, connected via USB or via special cable. The adapter provides a unique address called a MAC that identifies the computer device transmitting packets of information over the network. If you cannot connect with a cable, you can purchase a wireless wifi adapter for your computer equipment.

What is a network card

An element of the hardware configuration of a laptop or computer is called a Network interface controller, which provides the ability to connect to a network, ensuring interaction between devices. Network cards are LAN adapters, NICs, Ethernet adapters or interface cards. Now the Network interface controller is part of the computer package, but previously it was produced separately.

Types of network cards

The Ethernet adapter is designed to connect computer devices V local network. The Network interface controller, which provides an Internet connection, has the main characteristic of data transfer speed. The NIC uses high-speed interfaces to interface with a computer device. There are 4 design types of computer boards. They all have basic pros and cons.

Types into which microcircuits are divided according to their physical implementation:

integrated - as the name suggests, built into the motherboard;
wireless – for bluetooth and WiFi networks;
internal (separate boards) – connected via PCI, inserted into a PCI-E or ISA slot;
External network cards for laptops are inexpensive and connect via USB.

Why do you need a network card in a computer?

The main purpose of a network card is to connect computer devices with each other. The Ethernet adapter provides connection to the Internet. If there is no built-in Network interface controller, then USB modems are used, but then the ability to work over the network is reduced. By combining computers, laptops, peripheral devices (scanners, printers, etc.) in one local network, you can exchange data via WiFi within the boundaries of an apartment, house or provider network.

Principle of operation

Some of the functionality of the Network interface controller can be transferred to CPU or driver. Information is transmitted over the network, which is grouped into data packets. They move from one device to another. There is software and Hardware involved in data transfer. NIC refers to hardware. He is responsible for establishing physical connection between devices. An 8-pin RJ-45 or 15-pin AUI connector is used.

Where is the network card located in the computer?

The network card in the computer is located in the system unit. You can find it by slightly opening the side cover of the system unit. Modern computers do with an Ethernet interface. The built-in NIC is soldered onto the motherboard. If it is not built-in, then it is inserted into one of the free white slots. Operation and data transfer are carried out using an optical fiber cable connected to the adapter connector.

What does a network card look like?

You can see what a network card looks like in online stores that have photos of devices. Externally, the device looks like a flash drive, and internally it looks like a small chip or board located near the connection connector computer network. It is curved on one side. If you don't open sidebar system unit, the location of the Network interface controller looks like a socket for connecting a cable.

How to find out your computer's network card

In the operating room Windows system It will not be difficult to determine the NIC, which is necessary in case of a malfunction or when replacing. Programmers call such adapters consumables, because they tend to break. Network card for PC – an important part system configuration, so you can use it to detect it special programs such as "Everest" and "AIDA64". You can determine the model name yourself by following the path:

Start.
Control Panel.
System and safety.
System.
Device Manager.
Network adapters.

How to check if a network card is working properly

A broken network card for a computer or a faulty Wi-Fi card will not allow you to access the Internet or local network. Serviceability problems may be hidden in system settings(if you have a built-in LAN adapter) or in the density of the cable connection (if external). You can try updating the drivers or testing. The check is carried out in the following way:

Computer properties.
Device Manager.
If there are no exclamation marks next to the name of your adapter, then the equipment is detected normally. Contact your provider.

How to install a network card on a computer

Before you decide to purchase a LAN adapter, you need to make sure that the motherboard does not have its equivalent. The NIC can simply be disabled. To enable it, you need to activate it in basic system input/output (BIOS). If it really doesn’t exist, then buy a NIC at a computer store, and then install and connect the network card:

Remove the side cover of the system unit.
By selecting free place on the motherboard, remove the plug on the back of the unit.
Install the NIC, secure with the mounting screw.
Connect the cable to the LAN adapter socket.
Turn on your computer. will flash light diodes, notifying about the exchange of information with the network.
Set up the connection: install the driver for the network card, register the server DNS (dns).

Price

The adapter will cost up to $5. The set of functions can be selected as desired (adapter with higher speed data transfer, 2 SFP ports). You can order a set of adapters through the catalog in specialized stores computer equipment or buy in the online store (from 299 rubles). In the table below you will find the price of a network card in Moscow.