What is a network interface (NIC) and how do I find it on my device?

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 theEnter key.

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Windows 8

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

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 theCharm 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. 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 machine's ethernet or wireless hardware addresses are listed 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. If you just have one of type, only that one will be shown.
7. To close the DOS Command Prompt window, type exit right after the C:\> prompt then press the Enter key.

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Mac OS X (Lion, Mountain Lion, Mavericks)

To find out if you have an ethernet interface on your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen.
2. From the drop down menu, choose System Preferences.
3. Look for the Network icon and click it.
4. When the Network screen appears, look on the left hand side to find your interfaces.
   • If you have an ethernet interface, you'll see the word Ethernet.
   • If you have a wireless interface, you'll see the word Wireless.or WiFi.
5. If your machine has both an ethernet and a wireless connection you will see both listed.  Clicking on either will display that connection's interface.
6. To close the Network screen, simply click the red x in the upper left corner