NIC (Network Interface Card)

A network interface card is a circuit board providing a direct path between the internal bus of a personal computer and the cable leading to a computer network. Interface cards are available for varying types of networks, the two primary local area networks (LANS) being token rings and ethernet.

W3E References:

LAN (Local-Area-Network)

A network generally within the walls of a building or the limits of a campus or military base.

Ethernet

A primary local area network utilizing coaxial cable with transmission speeds of 10 megabits per second--or, more recently, 100 megabits.