What is Network card? Briefly explain cache memory of the computers.

Network Card A network card also known as Network Interface Controller Card (NIC) is a piece of hardware that allows a computer to connect to a computer network. Network cards are used for both Wired and Wireless networks. Sometimes the network card is integrated on the motherboard. Each network card has a unique number; this is used for addressing. It is called the MAC address. Cache Memory Cache is a block of high speed memory where data is copied when it is retrieved from the RAM. It is a high speed memory which computer microprocessors can access more quickly than it can access regular random access memory (RAM). This storage of key instructions enables a performance improvement in the processor. There are two groups of extremely fast memory chips that allow the computer to operate faster: Internal cache (L1) is built into the CPU, and External cache (L2) resides on the motherboard. The L2 cache is an area of high-speed memory that improves performance by reducing the average memory access time. Both L1 and L2 store data recently used by the CPU. When the CPU needs data, it first checks the fastest source - L1. If the data is not there, the CPU checks the next-fastest source - L2. If the data still cannot be found, a time-consuming search of the slower RAM is required.