Choosing the right wireless Network card

Top Wireless Network Adapter Manufacturers

1.Cisco
2.Linksys
3.D-Link
4.Netgear
5.Huawei
6.Belkin
7.Buffalo
8.Airlink
9.Asus
10.3com
11.Atheros
12.Intel

Selecting the right Ethernet network module card depends on several factors. When selecting an Ethernet network module card, users should always look at the following:

� Link speed. Most networks operate on 10 or 100 megabit speeds, although newer devices may be designed to run at 1,000 megabits or a Gigabit. This is common for network routers, switches, and those peripherals that drive connectivity. Higher speeds allow these devices to deliver better performance through the computers. When connecting a computer to a high-speed network, it is vital to have a network card that can handle these kinds of high-speed connections. If not, the user will not be able to take advantage of the enhanced connection speed and the computer will function more slowly than other devices or will have problems communicating with the network.

� Interface. There are several types of interfaces available with network cards, and choosing the right one is very important if the computer is to communicate with the network. Available interfaces include Peripheral Component Interconnect or PCI, PCI Express, and Universal Serial Bus or USB models. A USB device is hooked up to the computer externally through the USB connector port. PCI and PCI express devices require the user to open the computer and install a network card in an available slot.

� Operating system. The operating system, or OS, for the computer is also an important consideration when choosing a network card. If the operating system for the computer is Windows, Linux, Apple, or some other system, the network card must be able to communicate with this system or the card will not work. Even within operating systems, network cards can have difficulties communicating. For example, some older network cards do not work with newer versions of Windows.

� Purpose. It is relatively easy to ensure that the OS and interface of a network card are right. It requires more subtle reasoning to narrow the purpose of the network card. If a computer is to be used primarily for video or gaming, certain network cards may not be appropriate to support these byte-heavy activities. Integrated network cards may serve gamers and music or video lovers more effectively than cards designed to primarily handle business data.

� Additional software. Some network cards contain additional programs that help the card function more effectively. It is usually wise to choose network cards from reputable companies to get the best software programs.

My suggestion is that if you are buying a Laptop or PC, go for Intel Wireless cards.see the specifications while buying a PC. Intel WiFi cards support WiDi (Wireless Display) and additional softwares compatible to Linux programs. Wireless Network Adapters or WiFi cards are available for both USB and PCI. Buying Wireless Routers are similar to it.

-Ranjith M Kumar

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