Also known as network interface card,(network adapter, lan adapter or physical network interface) is computer hardware component used to connect with computer and computer network.

Network Interface Controller
NIC (Network interface card) has two layer one is physical and another one is data link layer.
Data link layer is used to convert data into binary to transfer the data in the form of small packets.It act as an "Encoder".Transmission of data occur in three different mode.
  • By use of Ethernet Cable
  • Through Wi-Fi (wireless connection)
  • Through Bluetooth (wireless connection)
Physical layer provide physical access to the network and addressing system through the help of Mac address.