Dual NIC: Two Network Interface Cards in One Computer
A dual NIC (dual network interface card) is a computer that has two network ports, so it can connect to two networks at the same time. Each port has its own IP address. The computer can keep one network for general traffic and use the second for management, storage, backup, or isolated devices.
A dual NIC is also called dual LAN or dual port Ethernet. Some setups use two separate Ethernet ports on one card. Others use two ports built into the computer. Both give the computer two independent network connections.
Dual NIC setups are used when a computer must reach two separate networks. They also suit traffic isolation, a dedicated management connection, access to a storage or backup network, and routing between networks. Windows Server and Windows 10/11 both support two active adapters, but only one default gateway should be set. A second gateway on the other adapter can cause intermittent internet access, dropped remote desktop sessions, and traffic leaving through the wrong port.
Dual NIC Features Compared
| Feature | Single NIC | Dual NIC |
|---|---|---|
| Network connections | One | Two, at the same time |
| Typical use | General office or home network | Two networks, isolated traffic, management |
| Gateway setup | One default gateway | One default gateway; second adapter uses static routes |
| Redundancy | None | Second port can carry traffic if the first fails, depending on configuration |
Thinvent Products with Dual LAN
The Thinvent® Industrial PC IPC5 with Intel® Core™ i7-1255U processor (10 core, up to 4.7 GHz, 12 MB cache) includes Dual LAN, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, 12V 7A adapter, and dual band WiFi with Windows 11 Pro. A second IPC5 model with the same i7-1255U processor and Dual LAN has 32GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, no WiFi, and Ubuntu Linux.
The Thinvent® Industrial PC IPC5 with Intel® Core™ i5-1240P processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, 12V 7A adapter, and Windows 11 IoT Value is listed without WiFi. The range does not list a second Thinvent model with Dual LAN on the i5-1240P.
The Thinvent range does not state Dual LAN for the Thinvent® Aero Mini PC, Thinvent® Treo Mini PC, Thinvent® Industrial PC IPC3, or Thinvent® Micro 5R Thin Client. Choose the IPC5 with Dual LAN when a second network port is required.
