This is very important. One way to see this is to start installing the software and look at the list of cards that are presented for selection. If you write down the list being very exact with the description then it will make looking for a compatible card much easier. Cancel the installation.if you do not have the card yet. With public domain software for DOS there should be a list of compatible cards that the software will work with.
Networks can use a variety of different cable types.
The simplest cable to use is what is commonly known as thinwire. The network card will have different connectors on it depending upon the type of cable that it is to be used with. If thinwire is the chosen type then make sure that both the software supports the card and the card has the correct connectors on it for the choice of cable. The choice of cable will introduce a number of restrictions that must be taken into account. Similar in construction to TV aerial cable but it is not compatible.