Network interface

A network interface is an interface that provides access to a computer network to a computer or a network component. Colloquially, it is also called port or network connection. Today, they are often integrated on the motherboard of the PC.

A typical network interface for PC is one of the variants of the Ethernet standard. It provides a network connection, usually in the form of an RJ- 45 jack to which a twisted- pair cable is connected. Older network cards also have a BNC connector. A connection for optical fibers is also possible. Also, the network connection of a modem or an ISDN card is a network interface.

A wireless network interface (also air interface or radio interface ) allows you to connect to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.

In order for a device gets access to a network, usually a single network interface ranges. Other components in a network, however, require multiple network interfaces. A bridge having at least two network interfaces, so as several network segments are connected together. Likewise, routers, hubs and switches have multiple network interfaces.

Alternative definition

A network interface may be a software program that enables the computer to access to a computer network, such as a device driver.

• Computer Networks
• Network device