Network Interface Unit (NIU)

The Network Interface Unit, also known as NIU for short, is essentially an interpreter that is utilized in the process of establishing communication between the server and the workstations, also known as nodes.

In other words, a network interface unit is made up of all of the management and media interfaces. These interfaces can include "power slots," "console ports," "usb ports," "one or multiple network management ports," and "signal media interfaces," among other things.

In order to make the device operational, the power cable must be plugged into the power slot first. This allows the device to receive electricity. We make use of the console port whenever there is a need to access the network router. We can use USB ports to connect a device to the system using a USB cable, so that we can transfer the data. The network management port is where networking devices are configured.

A computer that is not connected to any network is said to be standalone. This type of computer has its own independent universe in which it lives and uses its own internal resources to carry out the tasks assigned to it.

But as soon as it becomes a workstation, it needs an interface to help establish a connection with the network. This is because the workstation or node will not be able to share the resources of the network if it does not have an interface that helps establish a connection with the network.

You could also say that a Network Interface Unit is a device that is basically attached to each of the workstations as well as the server. This device assists the workstation in establishing the vital connection with the network.

Each Network Interface Unit that is connected to a workstation has its own individual identification number, which is referred to as the node address for that particular NIU.

In addition to being known as a Terminal Access Point (TAP), the Network Interface Unit can also be referred to as a Network Interface Card (NIC).

The same type of connection can be referred to by a variety of names depending on the manufacturer.

Each individual Network Interface Card receives its own one-of-a-kind physical address, which is also referred to as a Media Access Control (MAC) address. This address is assigned by the Network Interface Card.