Networking - Network Adapter

Network Adapter types

Network Adapters

A network adapter also called a network interface card is a plug-in card that serves to allow computers to both transmit and receive data on a local network. It is a component of a computer's internal hardware that facilitates communication over a network.

In a more current context, network adapters will refer to an Ethernet adapter where the Ethernet circuitry is built into motherboards of the latest desktops and laptop computers. Other times, a network adapter may also refer to a wireless (Wi-Fi) adapter.

In all instances, the adapter allows a computer to connect with another computer, a server, or other networking devices through a LAN connection. The use of a network adapter is not limited to wired connections as it is used for wireless networks. The adapters for wired networks come with an RJ-45 port that may use either the twisted or untwisted pair cables for network connectivity. For the wireless adapters, the network connection is facilitated through a built-in antenna or an externally connected antenna. Both the wired and wireless network adapters support the popular LAN protocols including TCP/IP. We have 1-port, 2-port, 4-port, 6-port, 8-port, and 16-port options that support speeds of 10, 25, 40, or even 100 Gigabits.

The plug-in network interface cards (NICs) are normally used in high-performance machines especially if a faster Ethernet standard is relatively new and available but is yet to become mainstream. In fact, the major difference between network adapters lies in the network protocol it supports.

We have the different types of network adapters necessary for building computer-to-computer networks that don't have a switch or hub. All the network adapters are fairly inexpensive and readily adaptable to different applications within a network. Some of the common types available are:

Network adapters common types

  • Desktop Network Interface Card: This adapter is usually connected to a PCI or PCIe slot, whichever is available on the motherboard of your desktop computer. You will need to open your computer's case and it, therefore, presents the most difficult installation method. The PCIe slot is generally found in new computers.
  • PC Card or PCMCIA Card: PCMCIA is the abbreviation for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. The name has undergone changes over time to be referred to as a PC Card or ExpressCard. For dimensions, the PC card is almost similar in size to a credit card but is significantly thicker. The PC card is connected to a PC or PCMCIA card slot in your desktop computer or laptop computer.
  • USB adapter: This network adapter is typically a small device, similar to a thumb drive, with a USB interface. Installation is easy and straightforward since it is plugged into the USB port of your desktop or laptop computer or other network devices that have a USB port.
  • Wireless game adapters also referred to as media adapters, are connected to older game consoles and home entertainment devices so as to act as a bridge to Wi-Fi capability. They help expand functionality on these entertainment devices through connections to the internet.
Dell 540-BCMX Networking Network Adapter 1 Port
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540-BCMX Dell Mellanox Connectx-6 Single Port Hdr100 QSFP56 Infiniband Adapter, Pcie Low Profile. Refurbished.

HPE 716591-B21 10 Gigabit Network Adapter
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716591-B21 Ethernet 10 Gigabytes (GB) Dual Ports Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-E) 2.1 x8 561T Network Adapter | Made by HPE | Refurbished

Dell K188P 10 Gigabit Network Adapter
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K188P Broadcom Netxtreme II 57711 Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-E) X8 Plug-In Card 10 Gigabit Lan 2 Ports Network Adapter | Made by Dell |...read more

Dell X540-T2-DELL 10 Gigabit Adapter
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Intel X710T4LBLK Quad-Ports Adapter
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X710T4LBLK Quad-Ports RJ-45 10 Gigabytes Per Second (GBPS) Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-E) 3.0 x8 Low Profile Network Adapter | Made by...read more

Broadcom BCM957414A4142CC Network Adapter 2 Port
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BCM957414A4142CC Broadcom Dual-port 25 GB/S Sfp28 Ethernet Pci Express 3 X8 Card | New Sealed 3 Years Broadcom Warranty

665249-B21 HPE 10 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
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665249-B21 Ethernet 2 Ports SFP+ 10Gbps Gigabit Ethernet Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-E) Network Adapter for G8 G9 | Made by HPE | New Bulk...read more

HPE P13188-B21 2 Ports Adapter
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P13188-B21 Mellanox 10/25 Gigabit Ethernet (GBE) 2 Port 28 Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-E) MCX512F-ACHT...read more

HPE 684208-B21 Networking Network Adapter 1GB 4 Port
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684208-B21 HPE 1GBE 4Port 331FLR Adapter Fio Kit. New Bulk Pack.

Mellanox MCX516A-CCAT 2 Ports Adapter
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MCX516A-CCAT Connectx-5 - Network Adapter - Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Express 3.0 X16 - 100 Gigabit Ethernet Quad Small Form-Pluggable (QSFP) X...read more

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