võrguadapter

A võrguadapter, also known as a network adapter or network interface controller (NIC), is a piece of computer hardware that connects a computer to a computer network. It serves as the interface between the computer's internal components and the network medium, such as Ethernet cables or wireless signals.

Võrguadapters come in various forms, including integrated circuits on the motherboard of a computer, expansion cards that can be plugged into slots, or external devices that connect via USB. The primary function of a võrguadapter is to transmit and receive data packets. It translates the digital data from the computer into a format suitable for transmission over the network and vice versa. This process involves encoding and decoding data, as well as managing the flow of information.

Modern võrguadapters support a wide range of network protocols and standards, such as Ethernet for wired connections and Wi-Fi for wireless connections. They are essential for enabling communication between devices within a local area network (LAN) or connecting to the internet. Without a functional võrguadapter, a computer would be isolated and unable to participate in network activities. The speed and capabilities of a võrguadapter can significantly impact the overall performance of network connectivity.