Pricing and Costs of Network Adapters

Find the best network adapter solution for your budget

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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