Computer network adapters come in many different forms. Costs vary depending on factors, including the age of the computer and the capabilities it may already have. When planning to connect a specific computer to a network, take time to plan how this computer will interface with the network and evaluate the network itself for compatibility.

Many variables affect the cost of setting up and connecting to a network. When considering the pricing and costs of network adapters, take the following things into consideration:

1. Whether you have an existing network to connect to or whether you need to build your network before you can connect to it;

2. What type and age of computer you need to connect to the network and what type of network adapter it came with;

3. And the location where you will want to use the computer and its proximity to the network hub or router.

Action Steps to Shop Smart for Network Adapters
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Add wireless capability to an older laptop with wireless network adapters

Buy a PCMCIA network adapter to plug into the PCMCIA slot of your laptop to add wireless capability to your laptop. Expect to pay from $20 to $70 for one of these. Use it to connect to an existing wireless network in your home, office or at a local business or library that has wireless access available.

I recommend: Learn about the different types of PCMCIA network adapters at the PCMCIA website. Choose from a range of wired and wireless PCMCIA network adapters at Directron.com.

Install computer network adapters in your desktop computers

The most inexpensive way to add wireless capability to a desktop PC is to install a PCI card with a network antenna on it. If you do this yourself you can pay as little as $20. Networking accessories to build a computer network in your home or office will run you $100 to several hundred for a router and some cables, depending on the brand and number of computers you for which you need adapters.

I recommend: Read a buying guide regarding issues you need to consider when buying components for a wireless home network at CNET. Purchase various types of network adapters from Dell.

Take the easy route with a USB network adapter

If you're uncomfortable opening your computer to install an internal card, opt for a USB network adapter, which generally costs more. Expect to pay from $30 to $80 for an adapter that will work with your desktop computer. Serial communication adapters are available to connect USB devices to the serial ports for older computers without USB ports.

I recommend: Learn how wireless USB adapters can increase the speed of your wireless network at Microsoft At Home. Find low prices on USB network adapters at CompUSA.com.

Tips & Tactics for Best Use of Network Adapters

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for discount network adapters online by looking for PCI network cards or 802.11g network products, since prices have come down in these categories.

A computer network adapter, also known as a network card or network interface controller, connects your PC to a network. Network adapters make it possible to share files with colleagues through either a wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi) connection. There are several different types of network adapters (with different applications), including PCI cards, PC cards, FireWire adapters, and USB adapters. Which to choose depends largely on whether you have a notebook or desktop PC and your needs. Some models will require a network adapter driver, which you can often download at no charge from the manufacturer’s Web site.

In this guide, you'll discover:

1. What each type of computer network adapter is and what it’s best for.
2. How to determine whether a PC already has a computer network adapter built in.
3. Where to download a network adapter driver.
4. How to choose among network adapters.
5. Other network adapters and what they do.

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Network adapters 101

While all network adapters connect your PC to others, there are several different types that you should be familiar with. PCI adapters are the original network adapters; they are mostly found inside of desktops. PC card adapters (also known as PCMCIA cards) are external network adapters and insert into a slot on the side of a notebook (they can cost as little as $25). These are generally sold by cell phone carriers like AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless and add wireless connectivity to a notebook. USB adapters plug into a USB port to add network access. A final type of computer network adapter, a virtual private network (VPN), is software-based and simulates the functions of network adapters.

I recommend: Find a variety of network adapters at Newegg.com. You’ll probably need a computer network adapter driver, too, so check the manufacturer sites for the latest drivers.

If Ethernet is built in, a computer network adapter won’t be necessary

Most new PCs include Ethernet and a network interface built in. Ethernet is generally integrated into the motherboard or included in a dedicated Ethernet chip, which is connected through the PCI adapter. If Ethernet is built into your system, you won’t need a computer network adapter. Checking for network adapters is simple. Look for an RJ-45 jack (which looks like a phone jack, only a little larger and flatter) on the back of the system. You can also open Windows Device Manager to look for integrated network adapters.

I recommend: If you’re having an issue with a network adapter driver, check the manufacturer’s site or the rather extensive list at Network-Drivers.com. Before purchasing a new PC, check the manufacturer’s site for the details on network adapters. The major PC manufacturers, Dell, Gateway, HP, Lenovo, and Toshiba, all provide this information in the technical specs of the systems they sell. Also look for networking hardware on Business.com.

Making sense of wireless network adapters

Most new notebooks have built-in wireless (or Wi-Fi) network adapters. There are different standards set up by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Each operates on a different band and achieves different speeds. Current systems usually include 802.11a (which operates on the 5-GHz band and achieves a maximum speed of 54 Mbps), 802.11b, and 802.11g (use 2.4-GHz band and 11 Mbps and 54 Mbps, respectively). The newest and fastest standard is 802.11n. It operates on either band and has a max data rate of 700 Mbps. While most notebooks include 802.11a/b/g, some newer models are also bundling 802.11n. If your system doesn’t have it built in and you want the speed, look for a wireless router and PC card to add it.

I recommend: Manufacturers like Belkin, Linksys, D-Link, and Netgear sell a variety of wireless network adapters. Find these and other sellers of wireless network adapters at Business.com.

Using cellular cards as network adapters

Recent network improvements make it possible for some cellular cards to reach speeds almost as fast as wired connections. Adding one of these cards to your notebook is relatively inexpensive (most are either free or under $100), but they require a monthly data service plan, which can run as much as $79.99 per month. You’ll find this cost worth it if you’re frequently traveling and spending money to connect to a hotel’s Wi-Fi network.

I recommend: Take a look at reviews of the latest cards at PC Magazine and LAPTOP Magazine. To add wireless broadband to your laptop, check out AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless. Find a card that covers the area where you’ll use it most. Additional options for cellular and paging parts and accessories can be found on Business.com.

Blazing-fast transfers with a FireWire adapter

A FireWire adapter makes it possible to transfer data between your PC and compatible peripherals. The benefit of using a FireWire adapter? Speedy data transfers, which make it a favorite for uploading video from a camcorder. External hard drives, cameras, and camcorders are three of the most popular devices that will connect to your PC via a FireWire adapter. Many new systems, especially higher-end notebooks include FireWire ports (all Apple models have them installed). Check the specs on a system if you’re looking for this connectivity.

I recommend: For a FireWire adapter, visit Yahoo! Shopping where you can compare prices and features.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you commit to an expensive data plan, decide on how much traveling you will do with your notebook. If your answer is none or very little, connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet at home or in the office.
• •  If your notebook is older and you’re thinking about upgrading, check out systems with built-in wireless broadband network adapters (and make sure you look for an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi).
• •  • Make sure that your system has the right computer network adapter slots. For example if you want to add a PC card, it should have a PC card slot. It seems simple, but some people confuse PC card slots with ExpressCard slots.

Computer network adapters vary due to different types of computers and the evolution of technology. Newer computers come with various types of networking ability built in, but older computers require network adapters. Since you use different technologies, it’s beneficial to understand network adapters basics.

There are several solutions for connecting a computer to a network, depending on your network, the type of computer you have and where you intend to use it. Types of network adapters include:

1. A basic Ethernet connection, which can be a simple Ethernet cable plugged into a part already built into your laptop or desktop computer;

2. A wireless network adapter using WiFi technology to transmit data wirelessly from your computer to a wireless network hub or router;

3. Or a network that connects computers simultaneously by cable and a wireless connection.

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Use a PCI network adapter to connect your desktop computer to a network

PCI stands for peripheral component interconnect, which is a type of technology that enables connections between internal parts of a computer, usually a desktop PC. A PCI card can add several different types of functionality to a computer, depending on the type you get. A PCI network card can add either wired or wireless networking capability to a computer.

I recommend: Learn about the steps and hardware necessary to create a local area network (LAN) at Kioskea.net. Find a tutorial on how to install a PCI network card in your desktop computer at WindowsNetworking.com.

Opt for the easy installation of a USB network adapter

USB adapters plug right into the USB slot on a computer and are easy to install. If you are uncomfortable opening your computer to install an internal card, this is an easy way to install network capability to either a desktop or a laptop PC. The downside is that it's a bit more expensive than other options, and it will result in an extra device either sitting on your desktop or sticking out of the side of your laptop.

I recommend: Read an article that can help you decide whether a USB wireless network adapter is right for you at Wireless-Network-Problems.com. Browse through a selection of USB network adapters at USBGear.com.

Connect your laptop to a network with a PCMCIA network adapter

PCMCIA stands for personal computer memory card international association, but those words don't really explain what this type of network adapters for notebooks actually do. PCMCIA cards are a type of card that you can insert in a PCMCIA slot on a computer to add functionality, and the most common use of this is to add wireless networking capability to notebook computers. Newer notebook computers come with wireless capability built in, but if you have an older laptop or if your built-in wireless adapter breaks, these cards are a good solution.

I recommend: Find out all about PCMCIA card technology at the PCMCIA association website. Find a selection of PCMCIA network adapters at TigerDirect.

Work with Bluetooth-enabled devices using a Bluetooth serial communication adapter

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that enables connection over a short distance. Bluetooth serial communication adapters can enable you to connect to a cell phone or a projector to pass data from one device to another. Industrial networking capability is another possibility with this technology.

I recommend: Get information about Bluetooth adapters and access points from SENA. Find a selection of Bluetooth serial adapters at Port-Place.com, which offers live support online during business hours.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The fastest and least expensive network connection is generally a wired Ethernet connection. Even if you have wireless capability on your network, it isn't necessary to have wireless network adapters for each computer. You may opt to connect the computers nearest the network by Ethernet cable.

Network adapters are computer components that allow you to access an office intranet or the Internet. Nowadays there are many different ways to connect to the Internet. Most computers come with at least one built-in method of accessing the network. Laptops usually come with internal wireless access and an onboard Ethernet port. All newer desktops come with onboard Ethernet. Learn how the different types of network adapters work, and figure out which one best suits your office needs.

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Ethernet cards

Ethernet cards are a type of network adapter. They come in different sizes and shapes called form factors. The old network cards came in what was called ISA format. Newer cards come in PCI or PCI-e (express) format. These plug into an open expansion slot on the inside of your desktop PC. Ethernet expansion cards can't be used on laptop computers.

I recommend: Check out the selection of 10/100 ISA and PCI Ethernet cards at TigerDirect.

Wireless adapters

Wireless or wi-fi network adapters allow you to connect to the Internet without messing with tangled wires. The most common wireless standard is 802.11g, also known as Wireless-G, which allows connection speeds of up to 54MBps (megabits per second). Wireless adapters are available in USB, PCI, PCIe, PCMCIA formats.

I recommend: View the selection of wireless adapters at Newegg.

PCMCIA or PC Card

Most laptops come with built-in wireless network support, either in the form of an internal wireless card or an onboard wireless chip. If your laptop doesn't have this feature, you can still add wireless capability with a PCMCIA or PC Card that adds laptop wireless support. Newer laptops support what is called the ExpressCard format. In addition, many cell phone providers offer broadband wireless connectivity via PC Cards and ExpressCards.

I recommend: Learn more about PCMCIA cards at Webopedia. Learn more about the different PC Cards and ExpressCards available at the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.

USB

USB is another network adapter option that works for both desktops and laptops. USB network adapters plug into any available USB ports. There are USB adapters that add wireless capability, but there are also USB adapters that convert a USB port into an Ethernet port. This allows you to physically plug in an Ethernet cable, giving you wired Ethernet connectivity through your open USB ports.

I recommend: Learn how to connect a wireless USB adapter at Microsoft.

Onboard network adapter, or LAN

Advancements in circuit boards have allowed certain peripherals to be integrated onto the motherboard itself. Video cards, sound cards and even network adapters are now a part of the motherboard. An integrated network adapter is also called an onboard network adapter, or onboard LAN. It can be enabled or disabled in the system BIOS.

I recommend: Learn how to troubleshoot an onboard LAN at Ghacks.net.

Device driver

A device driver is software that allows the computer to interact with a particular hardware device. If you purchased your network adapter, chances are it came with a CD with device drivers on it. If you have an onboard network adapter, you can download the device driver from your PC manufacturer's website.

I recommend: Search network adapter device drivers by company name at DriverFiles.net.