Network Interfaces

The hardware in a computer that enables you to connect it to a network is known as a network interface. Many computers come with a preinstalled network interface; others can require you to purchase the network interface separately.

Each LAN media type has its own associated network interface. For example, if you want to use Ethernet as your network media, you must have an Ethernet interface installed in each host to be part of the network. The connectors on the board to which you attach the Ethernet cable are referred to as Ethernet ports. If you plan to use FDDI, each prospective host must have an FDDI network interface, and so on.

This book refers to the default network interface on a host as the primary network interface.

Installing network hardware is outside the scope of this guide. Refer to System Administration Guide, Volume 1 for instructions for configuring serial ports and manuals accompanying network media for installation instructions.