Network Adapters Key Terms

Learn basic network adapter terminology

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.

 

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

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