A WLAN adapter is necessary to connect a computer to a wireless network. It can be internal or connected through USB, with the latter offering more mobility. Compatibility with the 802.11 standard is important, and once installed, the adapter can detect available networks and connect to one at a time.
One of the components required to connect a computer to a wireless local area network (WLAN) is a WLAN adapter. Also called a wireless adapter, it is a piece of hardware installed in or connected to a computer that allows the computer to become part of a wireless network. The more traditional version takes the form of an interface card that installs into an expansion slot on the computer motherboard inside the computer case. For this reason, it is typically referred to as an internal wireless adapter.
An alternative choice with easier installation is an adapter that connects through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. One is shaped like a USB flash drive and plugs directly into a USB port. Another USB selection is a desktop model, designed to sit on your desk or shelf and connect to your computer via a cable.
The desktop model offers some advantages over the flash drive type. The mobility of the adapter allows you to place it more strategically to receive a stronger signal. This is especially useful in situations where a computer sits under a desk or is recessed into a recess in the desk. For both styles, connecting it to your computer is as simple and easy as plugging it into a USB port.
One of the main considerations when selecting a WLAN adapter is the wireless standard with which it is compatible. Wireless protocols are established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The 802.11 standard is the protocol that governs the wireless network and defines things like bandwidth frequency and data rate. There are several variations of this standard, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n. It is essential that the components of a wireless network are designed for the same wireless protocol in order for them to be compatible.
Once the WLAN adapter has been installed and configured correctly, it will detect all available wireless networks within its range. Connecting to one of the networks then consists of configuring the adapter and computer with the appropriate settings, which in most cases of home and business WLANs include security and identification information. Although the adapter can receive a signal from a number of networks, it can only connect to one at a time.
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