Are NIC's now built into the motherboard?

[Newb22]

Im a studying for I.T as a beginner and I just wanted to confirm if this is true or not.

From what I understand, and feel free to correct... NIC's are supposed to be standalone mini circuit boards with a port(ethernet) on the back that allows for connecting to a network I assume both online/local.

Do these still exist or are they pretty much gone now? on my computer I connect wirelessly and the ethernet port is integrated into the motherboard.

 

[alexoiu]

Both options (integrated and cards):
http://www.newegg.com/Network-Interface-Cards/SubCategory/ID-27

 

[Newb22]

Both options (integrated and cards):
http://www.newegg.com/Network-Interface-Cards/SubCategory/ID-27

I guess what im asking is what is the difference between a dedicated NIC and the ethernet port from the motherboard on my PC.

 

[alexoiu]

Not sure what you mean by difference.

 

[Newb22]

Not sure what you mean by difference.

Well as a standalone does it do anything different, functionality wise then what you would get if you just stuck to the integrated ethernet found on most modern PC's. Whats the benefit/relevance of buying a NIC?

 

[1LiquidPC]

There can be some differences in reliability/speed in a dedicated add-in card vs onboard. From my understanding, Intel makes the best NICs that are integrated into the motherboards themselves. However, add-in cards can give you more speed/features that may benefit businesses. You can add-in 10Gb NICs(assuming you have the accompanying hardware to go with them) to get much higher throughput than standard onboard 1Gb. Plus there could be added security features, bandwidth throttling, monitoring software that comes with these as well. Usually the software/drivers that come with your motherboard are just to make it "work".

 

[USAFRet]

Not sure what you mean by difference.

Well as a standalone does it do anything different, functionality wise then what you would get if you just stuck to the integrated ethernet found on most modern PC's. Whats the benefit/relevance of buying a NIC?

Nothing. Any current motherboard you buy with an integrated NIC is gigabit. Just like any add on NIC.
You could get a PCI NIC with two ports, but that is about it.

Of course there are some specialized ones, used in a server application. 10GB, fiber, whatever.

 

[alexoiu]

Ok, let's see
- you have an integrated LAN with an RJ 45 port, but you want connecting the computer to fiber. You'd solve the issue by installing an Ethernet card with a fiber connector.
Same for wireless. If not integrated, then you need an adapter.
- you have a 10/100 integrated, but want Giga connection. Solution - 10/100/1000 adapter.