How a Network Card Works Tutorial Home >Internet >Online services >Cable Modems >How do I learn how a network card works? Tutorial Home >Internet >Online services >Cable Modems >Installing a Network Card >How a Network Card Works   Step 1:  Peripheral Cards A peripheral card is a series of electronic components on a board. The board plugs into a computer slot. When it's plugged into a computer, the computer can use it to do whatever it does. Some examples are graphics cards, sound cards, modems, and network cards.   Step 2:  Network Cards A network card is a peripheral card that is used to communicate on a network. It translates data so it can be sent and received across the network. The card is the interface between the computer and the wiring of the network.   Step 3:  Translating Data The network card takes the data and cuts it up into packets of a certain length. It then packages the data with codes. These codes tell a receiving network card where the data packet starts and ends. The point behind the packaging is so that the network cards can read the data, and can tell if any of it was lost or damaged by noise.   Step 4:  Ethernet There are a variety of network types. Different network types run with different protocols and packaging. Ethernet networks are the most prevalent PC network type. Ethernet cards can only work on ethernet networks.