verkkoliitäntiä

Verkkoliitäntä, also known as a network interface, is a piece of hardware that connects a computer or other device to a computer network. This connection allows the device to send and receive data over the network, enabling communication with other devices and access to network resources.

In the context of computer networking, a verkkoliitäntä is often implemented as a network interface card (NIC), also referred to as a network adapter or LAN adapter. This card is typically installed in an expansion slot on a computer's motherboard or can be integrated directly into the motherboard. It contains the necessary circuitry and connectors to establish a physical connection to the network medium, such as an Ethernet cable or wireless signals.

The primary function of a verkkoliitäntä is to translate data between the computer's internal format and the format required for transmission over the network. It handles tasks like packet framing, error detection, and media access control, adhering to specific network protocols like Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Each verkkoliitäntä is assigned a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address, which serves as a physical identifier for the device on the local network.

Modern devices often include integrated verkkoliitäntä capabilities, especially for wireless networking (Wi-Fi) and wired Ethernet connections. This allows for seamless connectivity without the need for separate expansion cards in many cases. The term can also refer to the software component that manages the hardware, often referred to as a network driver.