How do I identify my computer if it has an Ethernet/Network Interface Card (NIC)?

An Ethernet card is necessary in order to install AT&T High Speed Internet.

identifying if your computer has an Ethernet/Network Interface Card (NIC)

If you are not sure if your computer already has a NIC installed

Most desktop computers manufactured after 2000 and laptops manufactured after 2001 come standard with a preinstalled Ethernet card. For this reason, AT&T Internet Services does not provide a Network Interface Card (NIC) in High Speed Internet installation kits.

If you are not sure if your computer already has a NIC installed, then follow these steps:

From your computer, click Start, then Control Panel.
Select Network and Internet Connections icon.
Select the Network Connections icon.
Under LAN or High-Speed Internet category, look for the name of the Ethernet card (Tip: words like Ethernet adapter, Ethernetlink, or LAN adapter may be contained in the card name).
If an Ethernet card is listed, then YES, your NIC or PC card is installed.

Additional ways to check if your computer already has a NIC

Refer to the owner's manual for your computer.
Contact your computer manufacturer.
Look for an Ethernet port on the back of your computer (it will look like a phone jack but a little bigger). The presence of an Ethernet port indicates that a NIC is already installed in your computer.

This is what a NIC looks like:

If you do not have a NIC card already installed in your computer

ou will need to purchase a NIC to complete the AT&T High Speed Internet installation. You may purchase a NIC directly from the AT&T Equipment Shop or from almost any retail computer store in your area.
To install your NIC, please follow the instructions provided with your NIC purchase or contact your NIC manufacturer.

Last updated: December 7, 2022