Network interface

For other uses, see Interface.

In computing, a network interface is a system's (software and/or hardware) interface between two pieces of equipment or protocol layers in a computer network.

A network interface will usually have some form of network address. This may consist of a node ID and a port number or may be a unique node ID in its own right.

Network interfaces provide standardized functions such as passing messages, connecting and disconnecting, etc.

Examples

• Computer port (hardware), an interface to other computers or peripherals
• Network interface controller, the device a computer uses to connect to a computer network
• Network interface device, a demarcation point for a telephone network
• Network socket, a software interface to the network
• Port (computer networking), a protocol interface to the network