LAN, Ethernet, NIC ?

Please don't yell at me or hurt me for asking such a basic question. I had a problem with a built in "LAN" (that's what it's called in the mobo manual) recently and when I tried to figure out the problem I found various terms for what seemed to be the same item. My mobo (Asus P4S533) manual shows an RJ45 connector that is connected to a "RealTek 100/10 Mbps LAN PHY". When I go to Network Connections, it's listed as a SiS 900-based Fast Ethernet PCI Adapter. I have also seen PCI add on cards like this device referred to as a NIC, LAN card, Ethernet Card. Are all these different names for the same device or are they variations of the same device or names used to descript their function, or something else all together?

This is not an urgent question but I am curious. I would like to call it by it's correct name.

Thanks, Mack

 

The typical Network used by most of us is Ethernet. All the names that you mentioned are related to the same type of Network device. Its official name is NIC (Network Interface Card).

Most NICs are PCI but you might see on Motherboard NIC. Wireless NIC, USB NIC. Etc.

P.S. This link is a good source to find definitions of Network related terms.

Link to: http://www.webopedia.com

General info and links: Small Basic Network.

 

Thanks cat5e. Exactly what I wanted to know and the links are helpful. Mac