A network card, also known as a network interface card (NIC), is a hardware component that allows a computer or device to connect to a network. It can be wired, using an Ethernet cable, or wireless, using Wi-Fi technology. The network card converts data from the computer into a format suitable for transmission over the network and vice versa. Most modern computers come with a built-in network card, but users can also install separate cards for enhanced performance or additional features. The network card plays a crucial role in enabling communication between devices, such as connecting to the internet or sharing files within a local area network (LAN).