What does NIC stand for in wireless LAN terminology?

In wireless LAN terminology, NIC stands for Network Interface Card. A Network Interface Card is a hardware component that allows a device, such as a computer or laptop, to connect to a network, including wireless networks. This card typically contains the necessary circuitry to manage the data transmission over a network, and it can operate in both wired and wireless contexts.

The term “card” emphasizes that this component is often a physical device that can be installed in the device's motherboard, although many modern devices have integrated NICs that do not need to be physically added.

Understanding NICs is crucial in the context of wireless communication, as they determine how effectively devices can communicate over a wireless network by handling data packet transmission and reception, thus facilitating connectivity and network functionality.