What is a Wireless Network interface card?

A network interface is the point of interconnection between a computer and a private or public network. A network interface is generally a network interface card (NIC). Listed below are instructions for finding your network interface on more common computer setups.

Windows Vista, Windows 7

You can find your Ethernet or Wireless hardware addresses using Microsoft’s getmac utility:

1. If you have a Dell laptop, ensure it is plugged into an electrical outlet; if it is not plugged in, the Ethernet address will not be displayed.
2. Click the Start button.
3. In the Search box, enter cmd then press the Enter key:
4. You should now be in the DOS window. Once you are at the DOS prompt, enter getmac /v then press the Enter key.
5. Your ethernet or wireless hardware addresses will be displayed as the Physical Addresses.
6. If your machine has both an ethernet and a wireless connection, two physical addresses will be shown in different sections. The Ethernet hardware address is listed under Ethernet Adapter Local Area Connection and the Wireless hardware address will be listed under Ethernet Adapter Wireless Network Connection.
7. To close the DOS Command Prompt window, type exit right after the C:\> prompt then press the Enter key.

Windows 8

1. Navigate to the Charm Bar through one of the following methods:
   • Move the cursor to the bottom right corner of the screen to access the hot corner for the Charm Bar
   • The Windows key – ‘C’ command will open up the Charm Bar.
2. Start a search by selecting the magnifying glass icon at the top.
3. Search for “Command Prompt” then press the Enter key.
4. Your machine’s ethernet or wireless hardware addresses are listed as the Physical Addresses.
5. If your machine has both an ethernet and a wireless connection, two physical addresses will be shown in different sections. The ethernet hardware address is listed under Ethernet Adapter Local Area Connection and the Wireless hardware address will be listed under Ethernet Adapter Wireless Network Connection. If you just have one of type, only that one will be shown.
6. To close the DOS Command Prompt window, type exit right after the C:\> prompt then press the Enter key.