Network Interface Cards Overview

Emergent Vision GigE Vision cameras communicate with the host computer over Ethernet. Network interface cards (NICs) are Ethernet adapters that provide the host computer with these connections. They carry camera-control traffic and image data between the cameras and acquisition software.

This documentation set helps you select a compatible NIC, compare supported models, install and verify a NIC, and resolve basic NIC and camera-link problems.

Figure 1: Representative Emergent network interface cards 

NIC topics

• Select a Network Interface Card
• Network Interface Card Reference
• Install and Verify a Network Interface Card
• Troubleshoot Network Interface Cards and Camera Links

When you need an add-in PCIe NIC

Every camera system requires a compatible Ethernet interface in the host computer. Depending on the configuration, the host computer can use a built-in Ethernet interface or an add-in PCIe NIC.

Most high-speed, multi-camera, or specialized configurations require an add-in PCIe NIC.

To choose a NIC for the planned camera system, see Select a Network Interface Card.

Figure 2: Simplified image-data path from directly connected cameras through the NIC and PCIe connection to acquisition software

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See also

• Camera Data Interfaces
• Hardware and Software Requirements
• Hardware Installation
• Basic eCapture Pro Usage