Ethernetkortti

Ethernetkortti, also known as a network interface controller (NIC) or network adapter, is a piece of computer hardware that connects a computer to a computer network. It is responsible for translating data from the computer's internal format into a format that can be transmitted over the network, and vice-versa. Ethernet cards are the most common type of network interface used in local area networks (LANs).

These cards typically contain a processor, memory, and a transceiver. The transceiver is responsible for sending and receiving data signals over the network cable. Ethernet cards can be integrated directly onto the motherboard of a computer or installed as separate expansion cards. They come in various form factors, with Ethernet ports for connecting network cables, commonly RJ45 connectors.

The primary function of an Ethernetkortti is to provide a physical connection to the network. It assigns a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address to each device, which acts as its identifier on the network. This MAC address is used for low-level addressing and ensures that data packets are sent to the correct destination. Modern Ethernet cards support high data transfer speeds, such as gigabits per second, and are essential for most wired network connectivity.