PCMCIA network cards allow laptops to connect to the internet and LANs. They come in Ethernet and wireless formats, with three generations of cards. They are easily installed and can upgrade older laptops. The PCMCIA standard was replaced by ExpressCard in 2009.
A PCMCIA network card, or PC Card, allows laptop computers to connect to the Internet and local area networks (LANs) using a CAT-5 Ethernet cable or wireless radio. A PCMCIA network card encompasses a multitude of networking technologies, including modems, fax, Ethernet, and wireless adapters. Using a PCMCIA network card, computers can communicate with other network-connected devices and access the World Wide Web. Network cards facilitate a variety of functions, including file transfers, web browsing, and resource sharing between systems.
PCMCIA network card devices are typically the size of a credit card and use a 68-pin dual-row connector interface; the thickness may vary, depending on the type of PCMCIA network card. Network cards work on 5 volt and 3.3 volt outlets and operate on a frequency of 33 megahertz.
Owners of older laptops that don’t contain Ethernet or 802.11b/g/n technology can make good use of a PCMCIA network card. The network card is easily installed by the average consumer, so PCMCIA cards act as a quick upgrade mechanism without having to buy a new computer. Most laptops sold after 2004 contain both Ethernet and Wi-Fi support.
There are two formats of PCMCIA network cards, which include a physical Ethernet connection and an 802.11b/g/n wireless Wi-Fi connection. Ethernet network cards contain the Ethernet port, while wireless network cards contain several antennas at the end of the card. Each PCMCIA network card contains essential data required for proper operation, including the card’s purpose, power settings, and supported protocols. It also contains details such as the manufacturer, model number, and other information needed to interact with the operating system.
There are three generations of PCMCIA network cards, each marking a major change to the standard or design. The thickness of each design varies and offers different characteristics. For example, the bulkier design of the Type III card can accommodate larger connectors, such as wireless antennas and hard disk drives, without the need for a dongle.
The Type I PCMCIA network card specification uses a 16-bit architecture and is 0.13 inches (about 3.3 mm) thick. Type II PCMCIA network cards are the most popular, featuring I/O support, 16- and 32-bit infrastructure, and measuring 0.20 inches (about 5 mm) thick. Type III PCMCIA network cards use identical specifications, but are 0.41 inches (about 10.5 mm) thick.
PCMCIA stands for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, which includes a large group of companies that developed the memory card standard. Because industry members and consumers couldn’t remember the acronym, PCMCIA acquired the term “PC Card” from IBM, which is currently used in place of saying any letter “PCMCIA”.
In March 2009, the association responsible for overseeing PCMCIA network cards officially dissolved, leaving management of the standard to the USB Implementer’s Forum. Shortly thereafter PCMCIA cards were no longer in production, as they were replaced by the ExpressCard standard.
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