How do I decide which NIC to use?

Question

I need to buy a Network Interface Card to set up a network. How do I decide which ones to buy?

Answer 1

Usually, you need to determine which sort of socket you will be using in your pc.

ISA cards are for older computers.

Most modern computers have PCI or PCI express.

Laptops may have Mini PCI.

Other than that, make sure that your have a NIC of the right protocol and connection type. A token ring card will not work on an ethernet. Ethernet cards used to come in three sorts, coax (thick or thin), aui and rj45 (UTP). Speedwise you used to be able to get 10 simplex, 10 duplex, 100 simplex, 100 duplex.

Nowadays most cards are rj45 10/100 autonegotiate pci and this should suit most routers and network equipment you are likely to find in the home environment. A cheap 10/100 rj45 pci card will usually be adaquate. UK prices range from £7.50 upwards. Perhaps as much as £20 in pc world (not the cheapest place to buy)

Avoid the cards for optical fibre connections, as cabling and optical equipment for the routers, switches etc is very expensive.

In days gone by, it was recommended to use all the same NIC cards on the same network for maximum compatability. These days this is not so much of an issue.

Answer 2

This may sound a bit odd but the cheapest ones work just as well as the expensive ones in most cases. Nearly all these days are at least 10/100 your internet connection is well under that. Unless you have a need for high speed LAN just get the least expensive one you can find. Should be less than $15 most places. (I've seen and used some $5 ones)

If you are talking about a laptop card they will be more money.

Answer 3

Most if not all NIC's are inter-compatible these days, so its really a question of 10/100/1000 Mbps. I would personally go for either 100 or 1000, unless your wired network is super fast, 100 should be fine though 1000 is not much more expensive, and allows for future expansion. so its up to you.