Network interface card:

In the early days of computing, individual computers operated as stand-alone systems. The
earliest personal computers did not have an easy way to connect to other computers. In order
to transfer files between computers, you had to use a portable storage medium such as
a floppy disk; however, in modern-day computers, connecting to a network is essential. For
example, you need to connect to use e-mail, access information on the Internet, and share
documents within a corporate network.
A computer uses a network interface card (NIC) to become part of a network. The NIC
contains the electronic circuitry required to communicate using a wired connection
(e.g., Ethernet) or a wireless connection (e.g., WiFi). A network interface card is also known
as a network interface controller, network adapter, or Local Area Network (LAN) adapter.
A Network interface card (also known as a NIC, network card, or network interface
controller) is an electronic device that connects a computer to a computer network, usually
a LAN. It is considered a piece of computer hardware. Most modern computers support an
internal network interface controller embedded in the motherboard directly rather than
provided as an external component.
Network cards let a computer exchange data with a network. To achieve the connection,
network cards use a suitable protocol, for example CSMA/CD. Network cards usually
implement the first two layers of the OSI model, that is the physical layer, and the data link
layer. There are older network protocols such as ARCNET, introduced in 1977, Local
Talk or Token Ring, but today, most network cards use Ethernet.

Ethernet:
The most widely used network connection for personal computers is an Ethernet
connection. Ethernet is really a standard for computer network technologies that describes
both hardware and communication protocols. Ethernet was commercially introduced in 1980
and has largely replaced other wired network technologies.
Since Ethernet is so widely used, most modern computers have a NIC built into the
motherboard. A separate network card is not required unless some other type of network is
used. Here, you can see an Ethernet connection built into a motherboard. Several other
connections are located directly adjacent to the Ethernet connection.

ARCNET:
Attached Resource Computer Network (abbreviated ARCNET or ARC net) is
a communications protocol for local area networks. ARCNET was the first widely
available networking system for microcomputers; it became popular in the 1980s for office
automation tasks. It was later applied to embedded systems where certain features of the
protocol are especially useful. It was first used in 1977. Arc net uses a star-like topology,
which is much easier to build and maintain than the bus topologies of other protocols
developed later, such as Ethernet. Original arc net used coaxial cables, and a token-passing
mechanism, much like token ring. At about 20 MBit/s maximum speed, ARC net is much
slower than other network protocols, such as ethernet. Because of its token-passing
mechanisms, there are no collisions between packets. This makes it suitable for certain
industrial applications, as well as for home automation, where it is still used.
Networking Speed:
Ethernet cards operate at different network speeds depending on the protocol standard they
support.
Old Ethernet cards were capable only of the 10 Mbps maximum speed originally offered by
the Ethernet standard. Modern Ethernet adapters support the 100 Mbps fast Ethernet standard
and an increasing number now also offer gigabit Ethernet support at 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps).
An Ethernet card does not directly support Wi-Fi wireless networking, but home
network broadband routers contain the necessary technology to allow Ethernet devices to
connect using cables and communicate with Wi-Fi devices by means of the router.