What is another term for a Network Interface Card (NIC)?

What is another term for a Network Interface Card (NIC)?

• A. Addon card.
• B. Expansion card.
• C. Network adapter.
• D. Peripheral card.

Answer: (C)

A Network Interface Card (NIC) is commonly referred to as a network adapter. This term emphasizes the card's primary function, which is to connect a computer or other device to a network, facilitating communication over that network. The term "adapter" highlights its role in adapting the network signals to a form that can be used by the computing device, essentially bridging the device's internal workings with the external network infrastructure. While the other terms like addon card, expansion card, and peripheral card may describe various types of hardware that can be connected to a computer, they do not specifically convey the network-related function of a NIC. An addon card and an expansion card refer more generally to any card that can be added to a system to enhance its capabilities, while a peripheral card typically describes devices that reside outside of the computer's main unit, like printers or scanners. Therefore, none of these options pinpoints the specific functionality of a NIC like the term "network adapter" does.

A Network Interface Card (NIC) is commonly referred to as a network adapter. This term emphasizes the card's primary function, which is to connect a computer or other device to a network, facilitating communication over that network. The term "adapter" highlights its role in adapting the network signals to a form that can be used by the computing device, essentially bridging the device's internal workings with the external network infrastructure.

While the other terms like addon card, expansion card, and peripheral card may describe various types of hardware that can be connected to a computer, they do not specifically convey the network-related function of a NIC. An addon card and an expansion card refer more generally to any card that can be added to a system to enhance its capabilities, while a peripheral card typically describes devices that reside outside of the computer's main unit, like printers or scanners. Therefore, none of these options pinpoints the specific functionality of a NIC like the term "network adapter" does.