A wired network adapter connects a computer to a LAN using an Ethernet cable. It can be internal or external, and provides faster speeds and better security than wireless. External adapters are easy to install and require a device driver. Faster LAN speeds do not increase internet speed.
A wired network adapter is a hardware device that houses an Ethernet cable, used to connect a computer to a local area network (LAN). The network adapter is installed internally in the computer or it can be an external adapter or a USB dongle. This device contrasts with its cousin, the wireless network adapter, which transmits network signals over radio frequency waves, eliminating the need for cables.
Many computers come with a pre-installed wired network adapter. Controlling this device is easy as it features an RJ-45 port that looks like a telephone jack, but slightly larger. This is where the ethernet cable connects. The other end of the cable goes to the router or network hub, which in turn is connected to the server or main computer on the network. (In a home network, the primary computer might be a desktop.) If you also provide an Internet connection to your router, all computers on the network can also share that connection.
The biggest advantage of a wired network is the speed between local machines. Data on a wired LAN can travel at speeds of up to 100 Gigabits per second, depending on network hardware and other factors. Also important is the type of cable used, with optical fiber being the most advantageous, followed by the older standbys of twisted pair and coaxial. Fast LANs are essential to business productivity for companies that exchange large amounts of data over the network as a matter of routine.
Another benefit of a wired network is security. Wireless network adapters broadcast all data transmitted over the LAN, requiring the network administrator to incorporate an encryption protocol to prevent would-be eavesdroppers from stealing the data. Using the Ethernet cable, the only security required is internal permissions to restrict users or employees to relevant areas of the network.
Due to the pervasive popularity of wireless networking, some new laptops no longer include a wired network adapter by default. If your machine doesn’t have an Ethernet adapter, or if your current adapter isn’t usable, you have several choices.
You can purchase a new wired network card to install inside your laptop, but sometimes this is more of a hassle than a problem. New machines may not have a slot for an internal adapter, and even if your machine has a slot, the footprint of the new adapter must be compatible with your laptop model. Your laptop manufacturer should have information and recommendations.
An easier route is to simply purchase an external wired network adapter. These are made in a card-style format to be inserted into the PC Card® port where available; or as USB sticks. A USB dongle plugs into the USB port, demonstrating an Ethernet interface.
Regardless of the type of wired adapter, in most cases you will need to install a device driver. The driver is the software interface that allows the system to use the hardware correctly. Drivers should come with the adapters or, in some cases, are available for download.
Please note that Faster Wired LAN cannot increase the speed of an Internet account. Your internet bandwidth or speed is limited by your internet service provider. The benefit of increased speed on a wired LAN is that local computers can share data quickly.
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