

Network adapters transmit and receive data over wired and wireless networks. For example, a wired-only desktop computer without a wireless NIC can use a wireless network adapter to interface with Wi-Fi. However, the network card is different in that it is an additional device that provides wireless or wired capabilities on a device that did not previously support it. This includes wired devices such as desktop and laptop computers, as well as tablets, mobile phones and other wireless devices. Most modern devices come pre-equipped with a NIC or network interface card installed on the device’s motherboard. Here are some of the more common types of network adapters. The term was originally popularized by Ethernet add-in cards for PCs, but it also applies to other USB network adapters and wireless network adapters. Learn about network adapter types and what they doĪ network adapter connects a device to a network.

