> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.console.zenlayer.com/glossary/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.console.zenlayer.com/glossary/n/network-interface-card.md).

# Network Interface Card

NIC stands for Network Interface Card, which is a hardware component that provides a computer with the ability to connect to a network. It is typically a small expansion card that is inserted into the motherboard of a computer or a device that is designed for network connectivity. A NIC can be either wired or wireless and it allows a device to communicate with other devices on the network by sending and receiving data packets.