A network card adapter is a device that enables a computer to connect to a network, either internally or externally. Wireless adapters allow connection to wireless networks, and adapters can be used to modify plugs to fit slots. Different types of adapters include USB-connected or internal 802.11b or 802.11d adapters, mobile broadband adapters, and wireless signal boosters. Integrated network cards are also available, which save space in small computers.
A network card adapter is a piece of hardware that modifies a computer so that it can connect to a network. It is usually an internal chip or an external device that has an input jack or an antenna through which the network card adapter can receive and transmit data. Adapters that help a computer connect to a wireless network are called wireless adapter cards. If a network card does not fit into a connector on a computer, a device that adapts the plug of the network card to fit the slot may also be called a network card adapter. Types of network adapter adapters include USB-connected or internal 802.11b or 802.11d adapters, mobile broadband adapters, and wireless signal boosters.
Although the term “network adapter” can refer to internal hardware that adapts a computer to connect to a network, an adapter usually refers to an external device that is connected to a computer or hardware device to adapt it to a new function. If a network card is too slow, a fast network card adapter can connect a fast network card to your computer, or it can boost the signal of your existing network card. You can use a wireless network adapter to give a computer with only a wired Ethernet connection the ability to connect to a wireless network.
A network card adapter can be useful for a laptop with an existing network card if the user needs to connect to a network type that the internal card does not support. Generally, a network card adapter is often used to access a private wired or wireless network such as those found connecting home or office computers. Network card adapters can also help a user connect to a popular network technology such as WiMAX. WiMAX is a form of mobile broadband wireless Internet. Devices used to modify a computer to allow it to detect WiMAX may also be known as network card adapters.
Some networking hardware can be integrated into other chips in a computer. Integrated network cards are network cards that are integrated into the motherboard, the main chip in a computer that also houses the processor. One benefit of an integrated network card is that it can save space, which is important in computers designed with small cases. Other hardware that can be integrated into a motherboard includes video cards and sound cards.
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