In a standard desktop computer, the NIC (Network Interface Card) is typically integrated directly onto the motherboard near the rear input/output panel, featuring an RJ-45 Ethernet port where network cables plug in. In enterprise servers or older desktop configurations, it may exist as an expansion card plugged directly into a PCI or PCIe slot on the motherboard. In modern laptops and mobile devices, the wired or wireless NIC is embedded as a compact chip directly on the main system board.