Transcript 03_150

Introduction to Networking
Technologies
The Network Interface Card
Copyright © 2006 Heathkit Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The Network Interface Card is
also called:

The Network Card

The Network Adapter

The Network Adapter Card

The NIC
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The NIC is the main interface
between the computer and the
network cable.
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The purpose of the NIC is to:

Accept data from the computer and prepare
the data for the network cable.

Send the data to other computers or devices
via the network cable.

Accept data from the network cable and
prepare the data for the computer.
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Parallel data into serial data.
Memory
CPU
Computer
10011001
Cable
1-0-0-1-1-0-0-1
NIC
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Serial data into parallel data.
Memory
CPU
Computer
10011001
Cable
1-0-0-1-1-0-0-1
NIC
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Considerations when selecting
the NIC:

Type of cable connection

Type of Address/Data Bus

The method used to configure the card.
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The NIC must match the cable.
RJ-45
BNC
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Coax Cable Components
50
Terminator
“T Connector”
Cable
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RJ-45 Connector
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The NIC must match the
Address/Data Bus of the computer.
ISA
PCI
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PCMCIA Interface
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Installing the NIC in the
computer.

The NIC is installed inside the computer.

It normally plugs into a bus slot in the
motherboard.

Although some are built right into the
motherboard.

Plug-in boards must be configured correctly.
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NIC Configuration Methods

Plug-and-Play

EEPROM

Jumper pins
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Configure:

IRQ number,

DMA channel,

base I/O address,

boot ROM size,

whether or not the boot ROM is enabled,

Which transceiver (media input connectors)
is enabled.
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Computer resources required
may include:

IRQ

DMA Channel

Base I/O Address
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NIC Configuration Jumpers
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Preparing to Install the NIC

Ensure there is an open bus slot.

Ensure the adapter is compatible.

Ensure there are system resources available.

Ensure all installation items are available.

Ensure all necessary software is available.
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Installing the NIC Hardware

Configure the NIC to the available resources.

Attach a ground strap between the computer and
your wrist.

Remove the cover from the computer.

Remove the rear panel slot cover plate.

Remove the card from its antistatic bag and
immediately plug it into the motherboard.

Secure the card slot cover plate to the computer.
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Installing the NIC Software

Loading the device driver used by the NIC.

Loading any utilities supplied with the NIC.
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NIC Device Driver

Supports communication between the NIC
and the computer’s operating system.

Automatically installed and configured if
both NIC and OS support Plug and Play.

In other cases, the device driver is loaded
from a floppy disk or CD-ROM supplied
with the NIC.
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A more recent device driver
may be available at the
website of the NIC
manufacturer.
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Troubleshooting the NIC

Is the NIC talking to the motherboard?

Is the NIC working internally?

Is the NIC communicating with the external
network?
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LEDs.
Link
Activity
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BNC Hardware Loopback
“T”
Connector
Terminators
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RJ-45 Hardware Loopback
Pins 1&3
Pins 2&6
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Now, it’s your turn.
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