Connecting With Wireless Network Cards
When choosing a wireless network card for your computer, the choices available can sometimes be overwhelming, with various different types of wireless device from which to select. From dual-band wireless adapters to PCI interface network cards, PCI Express adapters, and various Mbps speeds, it can be difficult to know if the adapter is compatible with your computer and Wi-Fi connection. Add to that a wide variety of different brands, such as Lenovo, and adapters with and without Bluetooth capabilities, and the choices on offer are almost endless.
What Is a Wireless Network Card?
A wireless network card, also known as a LAN, is a small card that slots into your laptop, desktop computer, or personal digital assistant (PDA) and picks up Wi-Fi signals using an antenna so you can connect to the Internet. They're also referred to as wireless cards, dual-band adapters, network cards, and wireless network interfaces, as well as Ethernet devices when using the Ethernet standard for high-speed Mbps connections using Ethernet cabling.
- While most computers come with a wireless card installed, you can also purchase adapters independently to install or simply insert them into a slot in one side of your computer.
- When they're within the range of a Wi-Fi signal, wireless cards pick it up using a tiny antenna and translate it into a code that your computer can then read. Cards and routers can communicate on one of three different frequency channels and, in busy environments, their antennas often jump between channels to reduce interference and improve Mbps transfer speeds.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Wireless Network Card?
There are a wide range of different network cards on the market, including PCI and PCI Express network adapters, and USB adapters that plug in to your computer for use as wireless adapters.
- It's important that you buy a wireless card or dual-band network adapter that's compatible with your computer and operating system. Most wireless cards plug into Mini PCIe, so when your computer contains this slot, then the network adapter is compatible, but others are USB adapters or PCI-based and require a different kind of slot.
- Wireless networking cards break down into different variants depending on the Wi-Fi network you connect to, most of which are cross-compatible. Always check that you're purchasing the matching wireless card to take advantage of the full bandwidth and Mbps transfer speed.
- Also check if the card has Bluetooth capabilities (most modern cards do), which is useful in connecting wireless peripherals and other devices to your computer.