A network adapter (sometimes called a network interface card, or NIC) is a hardware card installed in a computer so it can communicate on a network. The network adapter provides one or more ports for the network cable to connect to, and it transmits and receives data onto the network cable.
Every networked computer must also have a network adapter driver, which controls the network adapter. Each network adapter driver is configured to run with a certain type of network adapter.
A networked computer must also have one or more protocol drivers (sometimes called a transport protocol or just a protocol). The protocol driver works between the upper-level network software and the network adapter to package data to be sent on the network.
In most cases, for two computers to communicate on a network, they must use identical protocols. Sometimes, a computer is configured to use multiple protocols. In this case, two computers need only one protocol in common to communicate. For example, a computer running File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks that uses both NetBEUI and TCP/IP can communicate with computers using only NetBEUI or only TCP/IP. Common protocols are not necessary if the computers are using an intermediary device or application such as the gateway. For a brief explanation of gateways, see "Using Gateways for Connectivity" in Chapter 17, "Windows 98 on Third-Party Networks."
In Windows 98, you configure all network adapter drivers and protocols supporting protected-mode clients by using the Network option in Control Panel rather than by manually editing configuration files. Configuration values are stored in the registry.
Windows 98 Setup automatically configures a computer to use protocols and drivers to match network components that are running when Setup is started.
If you are setting up Windows 98 for a new networking option, you must choose which types of network adapter drivers and protocols to use. Because Windows 98 has an open architecture, you have a lot of flexibility in this decision. Windows 98 supports both network driver interface specification (NDIS) and transport driver interface (TDI) standards, allowing Windows 98 to communicate with many other networking products and making it possible to choose from a variety of network adapters and protocols.
This section describes basic issues for choosing network adapter drivers and protocols to support your networking needs.
Network adapters have become exceptionally reliable and inexpensive. The low cost of Ethernet adapters, including new Plug and Play hardware, means that usually the cost-effective way to improve network performance is to replace an older network adapter with a new model. The cost of the new hardware is offset almost immediately by savings in support time and improved performance. Also, you should buy an adapter that matches one of your computer’s buses. For example, peripheral component interconnect (PCI) network adapters are available for use in PCI computers.
Microsoft recommends that you choose separate 32-bit, protected-mode protocols and drivers rather than real-mode protocols and drivers. However, Windows 98 includes mapping technology for users who must continue to use real-mode NDIS 2 or Open Datalink Interface (ODI) drivers.