A wireless USB network adapter connects a computer to a wireless network and comes in various sizes. Smaller ones plug directly into a USB port while larger ones connect via a USB cable. They can include software for protection against malicious attacks and improved network performance. They may also include drivers and additional software for easier connectivity and organization of network settings.
A wireless USB network adapter is a device that connects to a computer’s Universal Serial Bus (USB) port to allow that computer to connect to a wireless network. There are several types of these devices, ranging from small pieces of hardware similar in size to a portable memory stick that plugs directly into a USB port to larger devices that connect via a USB cable. A wireless USB adapter can provide basic connectivity to a wireless network, and these devices can also include software that can provide protection against malicious software attacks or improve network performance and organization.
There are several types of wireless USB network adapter devices, and the type used typically depends on the preferences of the computer user and the type of computer. Smaller devices that fit easily in a pocket can often be used with a laptop or by someone who wants to quickly and easily swap a single wireless USB network adapter between multiple computers. These types of devices usually look like a small thumb drive or USB memory stick and plug directly into a USB port on a computer. While most modern laptops have built-in wireless devices, these external devices can be useful as a backup or for older computers.
Other types of wireless USB network adapter devices are similar in size to a small router and act as a receiver for a wireless signal. These usually have an antenna and can be more sensitive for picking up a wireless signal at greater distances. Such a wireless USB network adapter usually connects to a computer via a USB cable, rather than plugging directly into a USB port on the computer. This type of adapter may be suitable for desktop computers since the device is larger and not as easily portable as the smaller types.
A wireless USB network adapter may include internal firmware such as a firewall, and may also come with a disc that includes drivers for the device and additional software. These drivers allow the computer to recognize and use the wireless USB network adapter correctly and usually replace the default drivers that come with an operating system (OS). Other software included with these devices may include software firewalls to block attacks from suspicious websites and antivirus programs that can protect against malicious software. A disc included with this type of device may also provide software for making it easier to connect to wireless networks, as well as organizational tools for saving preferences and settings for multiple networks.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
