COMPUTER NETWORKS (GTU-350004)

PRACTICAL: 2
INSTALL AND TEST NETWORK INTERFACE CARDS

A network card, network adapter, LAN Adapter or NIC (network interface card) is a piece of computer hardware designed to allow computers to communicate over a computer network. It is both an OSI layer 1 (physical layer) and layer 2 (data link layer) device, as it provides physical access to a networking medium and provides a low-level addressing system through the use of MAC addresses. It allows users to connect to each other either by using cables or wirelessly. Every Ethernet network card has a unique 48-bit serial number called a MAC address, which is stored in ROM carried on the card. Every computer on an Ethernet network must have a card with a unique MAC address. No two cards ever manufactured share the same address. This is accomplished by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which is responsible for assigning unique MAC addresses to the vendors of network interface controllers. See figure Of NIC on Page-2 Whereas network cards used to be expansion cards that plug into a computer bus, the low cost and ubiquity of the Ethernet standard means that most new computers have a network interface built into the motherboard. These either have Ethernet capabilities integrated into the motherboard chipset, or implemented via a low cost dedicated Ethernet chip, connected through the PCI (or the newer PCI express bus). A separate network card is not required unless multiple interfaces are needed or some other type of network is used. Newer motherboards may even have dual network (Ethernet) interfaces built-in. The card implements the electronic circuitry required to communicate using a specific physical layer and data link layer standard such as Ethernet or token ring. This provides a base for a full network protocol stack, allowing communication among small groups of computers on the same LAN and large-scale network communications through routable protocols, such as IP.

COMPUTER NETWORKS (GTU-350004)

COMPUTER NETWORKS (GTU-350004)

COMPUTER NETWORKS (GTU-350004)

There are techniques used to transfer data, the NIC may use one or more of these techniques.

Direct Memory Access (DMA) - A controller that can transfer information between system memory and the card. This relieves the microprocessor of performing this activity thus speeding up operation of the computer. Bus mastering - The card moves data into system memory by taking control of the computer system data bus. The microprocessor does not need to be involved. This is similar to DMA. Shared memory - Memory that is on the card that the computer system can see the same as system memory. Both the microprocessor and the card can read and write information from and to this memory. RAM buffering - This involves a high speed RAM (Random Access Memory) buffer on the card where data from the computer system can be stored while waiting for transmission on the network. Onboard microprocessor - The card may include its own microprocessor handling card operations and data transfer. The computer system does not need to process data from the network since it may be done on the card.

A network card typically has a twisted pair, BNC, or AUI socket where the network cable is connected, and a few LEDs to inform the user of whether the network is active, and whether or not there is data being transmitted on it. The Network Cards are typically available in 10/100/1000 Mbit/s(Mbit/s). This means they can support a transfer rate of 10 or 100 or 1000 Megabits per second. Connectors Network cards have three main types of connectors. Below is an example of what a network card may look like.

BNC - As illustrated in the above picture, the BNC connector is a round connector which is used for Thinnet or 10Base-2 Local Area Network. DB9 - The DB9 connector is used with Token Ring networks.

DB-15 - The DB-15 connector is used for a Thicknet or 10Base-5 Local area network.

COMPUTER NETWORKS (GTU-350004)

RJ45 - Today, one of the most popular types of connections used with computer networks. RJ45 looks similar to a phone connector or RJ11 connector but is slightly larger. LED -The LEDs, as shown in the above illustration, indicates if it detects a network; generally by a green light which may flash as it communicates, and then a red light which indicates collisions which will generally flash or not flash at all.

How to install NIC card: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Unplug the PC Remove the cover Remove the cover plate adjacent to the slot for your NIC Align the NIC over the slot with the jack facing toward the outside of the PC Set the NIC into the slot and press down firmly. Make sure the mounting bracket is properly aligned with any slot that might be present. It may be necessary to gently rock the card from end to end to secure it in the slot. The gold contacts at the bottom of the NIC should nearly or completely disappear into the slot. The card should be level and straight. Secure the NIC mounting bracket to the case with a screw (or replace the securing mechanism your case uses. Replace the cover Plug in the PC Plug in the ethernet wire to the RJ-45 jack and plug the other end into the DSL modem, hub, router or if using a crossover wire, directly to another PC.

6. 7. 8.

9.

How to install driver 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. When prompted for drivers, click the cancel button. Insert the CD Double Click on My Computer Right Click on your CD Drive and select Open Double Click on the drivers folder Double Click on Setup.exe After setup has completed you will be asked to restart your computer Restart your computer and the card should be recognised.

Notable manufacturers for NIC

3Com AEI Intelligent Technologies AMD

COMPUTER NETWORKS (GTU-350004)

ASIX Electronics Cisco Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) D-Link Intel LeWiz Communications Linksys Marvell Technology Group National Semiconductor Netgear Novell Realtek

VIA Networking