Network Interface Cards

NIC

Imagine that you are the network administrator for a start-up company that has a limited amount of capital, but needs a network for its 100 developers. You have decided that Ethernet is the way to go, but after specifying the requirements, you discover that you are at least 25% over budget. You read about a mail-order house that offers lesser-known products at greatly reduced prices. When you call to determine if they adhere to standards, they hedge a little, but tell you they do. You order the merchandise and it is delivered in plain brown paper boxes. Only the name of the item is on the box: NIC or transceiver. What do you do?

Ñ"И The first thing that would be prudent is to test each individual piece of hardware to see if the stuff works. Ideally, the following considerations should be made prior to any purchases:

Ñ"И A transceiver is recommended for:

► A Macintosh with an AAUI port (but no 10BASE-T connector)

► A slotless Macintosh (that does not accept an internal NIC)

► A Thinnet/BNC-only internal NIC that is impractical to replace (Note: a microrepeater would be used in this case rather than a transceiver.)

► An NCD X-terminal with a built-in AUI connector, but no 10BASE-T connector

► Other network device with a built-in AUI connector, but no 10BASE-T connector

Ñ"И A transceiver is not recommended for:

► A PC with an existing internal NIC that is not 10BASE-T capable (purchase a new 10BASE-T NIC or a new combo connector NIC instead)

► A PC without a NIC (purchase a new 10BASE-T internal NIC instead)

Ñ"И When practical, it is preferable to replace an internal NIC than to use a transceiver.

Ñ"И Consider the following:

Ñ"И A transceiver attaches directly to the NIC and will require three to four inches of additional clearance between the NIC and the wall or other equipment.

Ñ"И Some transceivers do not attach securely to the NIC and may be knocked loose.

Ñ"И Some older NICs no longer perform adequately. It may be preferable to replace the card than to use a transceiver.

Ñ"И If they are currently using Thinnet or Thicknet ethernet LAN wiring and plan to replace network interface cards (NICs) to cut over to Network 21, they may want to purchase combo connector NICs. Combo cards will help reduce workstation downtime at Network 21 Cutover.

Ñ"И A combo connector NIC is not necessary when the desktop computer or network device: