NICs Evolution: From Early history to Days to Modern Networking Innovations
The history of network interface cards (NICs), also known as LAN cards, is a fascinating journey that parallels the evolution of computer networking itself. Early Days and the Rise of Ethernet * The 1970s: The concept of interconnected computers began to take shape, and early networking technologies like ARPANET emerged. However, these were primarily research projects and not widely accessible. * The Birth of Ethernet: In 1973, Robert Metcalfe, working at Xerox PARC, developed Ethernet, a revolutionary technology that would become the dominant standard for local area networks (LANs). * Early NICs: The first NICs were large, bulky cards that plugged into expansion slots on computers. They were expensive and complex, limiting their widespread adoption. The PC Revolution and NIC Proliferation * The 1980s: The rise of personal computers (PCs) fueled the demand for networking. Companies like 3Com and Intel began producing NICs for PCs, making them more affordabl...