Computer Network Workstation Hardware

All network computers need an installed network interface to connect to the network. Such an interface usually takes the form of a Network Interface Card (NIC), but some computers have the NIC integrated onto the system's motherboard. Each NIC is specific to the type of network it supports. NICs are available for Ethernet networks, Token Ring networks, and even other networks. NICs are also usually specific to the cable media that is installed. For example, Ethernet NICs are available for 10Base-2 media, 10Base-T media, or 100Base-T media, with 1000Base-T NICs now beginning to appear. Some NICs also support multiple media types, which can be a blessing while migrating from one media type to another. For example, some Ethernet NICs support 10Base-2, 10Base-T and 100Base-T on a single NIC.