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A network card is necessary for communication with the network router, and must support the same protocols. There are wired and wireless network adapters, with more variety in wireless versions. A wireless adapter scans for local broadcasts, and laptops may require external adapters if the internal card does not support the desired standard. When shopping for an adapter, look for support for desired protocols.
In a computer network, each machine must have a network card installed to communicate with the network router. The router directs traffic on the local network and also handles requests made to the Internet and subsequent responses. The network card in each machine must support the same protocols as the network router so that all devices speak the same language. A network card can replace an internal network card when a card is missing or when the internal card does not support the required standard.
There are two basic types of networks: wired and wireless. Network adapters are made for both types of networks, with more variety between wireless versions as there are different types of wireless networks.
A network adapter made for a wired connection is a small USB dongle that has an Ethernet port. Ethernet cabling connects computers in wired networks, with the RJ45 Ethernet port looking like a standard RJ11 phone jack on steroids. The adapter may come with software, although most modern operating systems will recognize a USB network adapter and apply the correct drivers when detecting the device. Once recognized by the system, the external network adapter can be used to connect the computer to the network by running an Ethernet cable from the router to the network adapter.
In most cases, however, when people refer to a network adapter, they are referring to a wireless network adapter. These devices are popular for laptop computers, as they allow the computer to connect to your home or office wireless network from anywhere nearby without being tethered to an Ethernet cable.
A wireless network adapter is similar to a memory stick or USB thumb drive: a small USB dongle with an LED light that indicates power and is operational. Once plugged in, it will scan the airwaves for local broadcasts, working with system software to display local network names for the user. Click on the name of the network you want to join and provide credentials as needed. That’s all you need to surf wirelessly. At the next startup, the device will automatically log into the chosen network.
Most laptops come with a built-in WiFi® card or wireless network card, but sometimes the card that comes with it doesn’t work. This is especially true as wireless standards change from one protocol to a newer, faster protocol. Older cards that only support the older protocol will not work with routers that only support the newer, faster standard. As of this writing, the current wireless standard is 802.11n, which is replacing the older 802.11g standard.
When the internal network card does not support the desired standard, an alternative to an external adapter is to replace the internal card with a newer card. This is easy to do on a desktop computer, but not so easy on a laptop or notebook. Just getting to the board might involve more tearing down the machine than many people are comfortable with. Also, opening a laptop can void the warranty. It’s usually easier to opt for an external network adapter.
When shopping for a network adapter, there’s little to look out for except support for the desired protocols. These handy little devices can be found almost everywhere, from local discount department stores to your favorite online retailers.
