Meaning & use
network interface
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountablecomputingtechnical
the hardware or software point where a device connects to a computer network.
Grammar: Countable: one network interface, two network interfaces. Often shortened to NIC in technical contexts.
Patterns
- a network interface card
- configure a network interface
- the network interface for something
The laptop has both a wired and a wireless network interface.
You may need to restart the network interface after changing the settings.
Each server has a network interface that connects it to the main switch.
nouncountablecomputingtechnical
a boundary or connection point between two different computer networks or systems.
Grammar: Countable and often used in the plural when talking about multiple connection points.
Patterns
- at the network interface
- between network interfaces
- the network interface between something and something
Data passes through the network interface between the two systems.
Engineers monitor the network interface for signs of failure.
The protocol defines how messages are handled at the network interface.
Word forms
| plural | network interfaces |
|---|
Common combinations
- network interface card
- A network interface card lets a desktop computer join a wired network.
- wireless network interface
- The wireless network interface kept dropping the connection.
- configure a network interface
- You can configure a network interface from the command line.
- network interface controller
- The network interface controller handles incoming and outgoing data.
Synonyms and how they differ
- NIC
- This abbreviation is used mainly for the hardware card, not for the software connection point.
- network adapter
- This usually means the physical device; network interface can also refer to a software boundary.
Word family
- network noun
- a group of computers or devices connected together.
- interface noun
- a point where two systems meet and interact.
- networking noun
- the activity of connecting computers or people.
Commonly confused: network interface or internet?
network interface vs internet
The internet is the global network; a network interface is the local connection point on a device.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'network interface' correctly?
Choose one answer.
A network interface is a connection point for a device on a network, so option B fits. Option A confuses it with an email account, and option C uses it as if it meant a personal skill.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “network interface”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.