A LAN card allows wireless internet access by exchanging signals with a router over a wired line. It’s used in homes, college campuses, and businesses. The card communicates with the router using radio waves and an antenna, and multiple users can connect to the router with unique identities. Security settings are available, and it’s recommended to secure wireless networks.
A local area network (LAN) card is used to provide wireless Internet access to computer users in home or roaming networks. It works by exchanging signals with a router, which transmits the signals over a physically wired line. The LAN card became ubiquitous in Western society in the early part of the twenty-first century as cards became affordable thanks to wireless networks popping up everywhere from coffee shops to airports.
Most home internet users use this card for wireless internet access so that multiple residents can access the internet at the same time. The router is placed in a central location in the home to provide an even signal throughout the home. Wireless networks are also widespread on college campuses, so students with laptops can use the Internet wherever they are. The value of wireless in attracting customers has been recognized by restaurants and other similar businesses, which usually provide access to the network in exchange for a small commission or the purchase of their product.
A LAN card communicates with the router using radio waves and an antenna. The computer converts the data into binary form and sends it to the LAN card, which in turn transmits the signal to be picked up by the router. The router sends the information in the form of packets of information and bundles the information to return it to the computer through the card in the same way. Typically wireless networks transmit at a relatively high frequency, between 2.4 and 5 GHz, designed to allow large amounts of data to be transferred faster. When you purchase a router or LAN card, the packaging will indicate the signal frequency it uses.
Multiple users can maintain a connection to the router on different bands, to avoid interference, and are assigned unique identities by the router in the form of an IP address. Any user attempting to access the network will need a LAN card, which is available built into the computer or as an external connection that can be connected through a Universal Serial Bus port or PC card slot in a laptop.
Networks have a variety of security settings, some accessible to all users and others that require a password to access the router. Even when a network is secured, a LAN card will be able to see it and list it as an available network, but when asked to connect it will prompt the user for a password. It is recommended to secure wireless networks to prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities and that users never connect to an unknown network.
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