Network Adapter Drivers

A network adapter, otherwise known as a LAN adapter, network interface card, or network interface controller (NIC) is a hardware component designed to computer to facilitate communication over a network. Network adapters use special software, network adapter drivers, in order to conduct such communications. Network adapter drivers provide the low-level software necessary for translating computer data into a form that can be packaged and transmitted by the adapter over a network.

Network adapters are available in many different styles, depending on which network is to be used and how the adapter will connect to the computer. By far the most popular network used with most modern PCs is Ethernet, the name given to a set of communication protocol standards and hardware specifications designed for efficient communication over local area networks (LANs) and the Internet. Modern network adapters connect to a network either a cabled connection or wireless signal. On the opposite end, a network adapter can be connected to a PC via a card slot (ISA, PCI, etc.), USB, PCMCIA socket, serial port, parallel port, or even directly embedded on the motherboard itself. Network adapter drivers are designed to receive data from the PC via one of these interfaces, “packetize” the data according to a specific protocol, and deliver it to network on the “other end” of the adapter. The reverse of this process is used for receiving data. When data is available for the PC on the network-side of the adapter, the network adapter drivers receive these data packets, reassemble the data from these packets into a form usable by the PC, and deliver them to the PC on the “PC side” of the adapter.

Every driver is unique to a particular network adapter, as different communication methods are required depending on both the network communication protocols used and the interface to which the network adapter is connected. For example, even though a USB network adapter and a PCMCIA network adapter may both transmit TCP/IP based data over an Ethernet network, the drivers would be completely different as the code required to communicate with a PC via USB and PCMCIA are substantially different from each other. Even two USB network adapter drivers would are fundamentally different if one is designed to send data through a cabled connection while the other is designed for wireless transmission. Furthermore, every manufacturer uses different components and assembles them in different fashions, thus requiring specialized driver software specifically designed for a given adapter.

The best network adapter will provide the reliable data transmission at the fastest speed possible for your network. It should not take up too much system memory and not consume too much processor time. Most network adapter drivers are included with the network adapter at the time of purchase. However, they are often premature and buggy. It is recommended to check with the manufacturer’s website for the availability of updated drivers. Consult newsgroups and forums for third-party driver updates, as some network drivers are discontinued and no longer supported by their original developers.