Many people working for computer or laptop, they don’t even know what a network card is for on a computer. How important is it for the normal operation of the operating system. And if there is no need to connect to the Internet or perform the tasks of creating a local network, you can not think for a long time about what an important role can play ethernet network card. But there comes a time when the problems of connecting the Internet using a cable begin. Or there is a need to connect another computer to the Internet or a local network - you have to go to the store and choose an additional network card for the computer.
Why do you need an Ethernet network card in your computer?
The possibility of an Ethernet network card allows you to connect only one network device, in order to organize an additional connection, you need to purchase another such card, this should always be remembered.
You need to know that the network card is also designed to exchange information over twisted pair (Ethernet). This is a more familiar protocol-related cable. And the board provides a high-speed coaxial connection through the 1394 protocol, and also organizes Bluetooth or Wi-Fi wireless networks. Therefore, in order to properly organize the necessary network structure, you need to take seriously the characteristics of the card itself. The characteristics of the new device must correspond to the tasks that are assigned to it at the present time.
It is possible to provide access to documents, printers, shared folders, or otherwise organize a home network. This is done using a network card already built into the motherboard. When routers and routers are used, as is usually the case in practice, one network card will do the job. However, the process of creating a network will be quite complicated. Using one device, you will have to connect the Internet and your home network. For normal network operation with such a connection, you will need to additionally invite a specialist in this field. Although the need to organize such complex networks does not arise very often.
Only one network card built into the motherboard can connect and provide communication between two computers on a home network. To connect to the Internet, you will need to have two network cards, one of which is responsible only for connecting to the Internet. It is more convenient, simple and profitable to organize the connection of two computers in a small company or office in this way. You do not have to purchase and configure a router. The advantage of a network card over a router is its small size. In addition, to configure the router, you need to have certain skills and abilities. And another positive quality of the network card is that connecting an additional device reduces the reliability of the entire system.
The disadvantage of such a scheme is that the main computer with two cards must be constantly turned on, since it is through it that the Internet will go. The router, even in the always-on mode, will consume much less electricity, and there is no noise from it. But there are situations when a second network card is simply necessary, for example, in one cafe with which I worked, a cash register was connected to the computer via one network card, transferring its readings to the accounting program, and to another - a router with a local network.
Discrete network card or built-in?
Sometimes it becomes necessary to install an additional network card, even if you have a working one built into the motherboard. Why? I have repeatedly said that devices that are made to perform a single task are much better than combined ones. Therefore, a discrete, that is, a separate one, as a rule, is more reliable and stable in operation than the built-in network card, which is installed by default on the motherboard. A good manufacturer puts all the emphasis on the quality of the card, which means that there will be no savings on its components, such as a chipset. Discrete network cards also have a number of other additional features, such as lightning protection - examples are not uncommon when, during a thunderstorm, a network card built into the motherboard burned out in a running computer.
Which network card to choose for a computer on Windows?
Before you go to the store, you need to ask yourself a few questions that will guide you which product to look for:
For computer
For a desktop computer, experts advise choosing a card that is compatible with the PCI bus, which sequentially exchanges data through a twisted pair. At the same time, you need to be aware that the PCI bus is more common, and it is compatible with IBM technology. If the computer device is made according to a different scheme, it can be MAC, you need to choose a network card that can work over twisted pair. When purchasing such a card, you need to get acquainted with the connection options. It may happen that, having bought a network card, it will not be possible to connect it, because some buses are not compatible with each other either electrically or software.
For laptop
The network card for a laptop looks a little different in appearance due to the features of the portable connectors on the laptop motherboard. It will be more difficult for a beginner to buy it and change it, so the best option is to take it to a service center where specialists will do it, or connect a USB adapter (in the picture below there are 2 network cards for a laptop - cable and wireless).
Wireless network adapter
Setting up a wireless network will require you to select a USB or PCI Wi-Fi device. And even in this case, there is no need to buy and connect a router. The choice of a network card should mainly be influenced by the speed of the connection and the way it is connected. In this case, a PCI device is more convenient, there must be free PCI slots. In their absence, preference should be given to choosing a USB board. And it is important to consider compatibility with the protocol of these boards. In addition, they must be able to connect with each other.
Network cards designed for high-speed connection via the IEEE 1394 protocol are especially different. Although they were originally created for tree-like connection of various devices. These are devices such as DV cameras, external network drives, and so on. However, when using them, it is possible to organize very productive and fairly fast connections between computers. A big obstacle to the use of such NICs is their high cost. These boards are much more expensive when compared to the prices of Ethernet boards designed to exchange information over twisted pair.
Network card manufacturers
Today in stores you can see network cards from many manufacturers: Realtek, ASUS, Acorp, D-Link, Compex, ZyXEL, Intel, TP-LINK and so on. But you need to consider that each company makes products for a specific target audience. For ordinary Internet users, the most popular cards are Acorp and D-Link - they are inexpensive and at the same time very high quality. The likes of Intel and TP-Link focus on making products that are powerful and expensive enough for organizations that install them on servers.
Additional technologies that improve performance and convenience that can be implemented in network cards:
- BootRom - allows you to turn on a PC over a local network through a remote computer.
- PCI BUS-Mastering - to optimize the operation of the network card, which relieves the load from the main processor of the computer.
- Wake-on-LAN - allows you to turn on the computer using a local network. For its normal operation, a motherboard with support for this technology must be installed on the computer, and the computer must also be connected to the network using a special cable if there is no PCI 2.2 support.
- TCP Checksum Offload - also allows the network card to save the processor from unnecessary work. A network card with TCP Checksum Offload support independently processes service information that comes along with the main data over the network, freeing the processor from this work.
- Interrupt Moderation - reduces the number of requests to the processor. This feature will be especially useful in gigabit network cards, through which there is a greater flow of information than conventional ones.
- Jumbo Frame - allows you to three times speed up data retrieval from large packets.
What network card is on a Windows 7 computer?
Before buying a new one, it will not be superfluous to find out which network card is currently installed in the computer. It will also come in handy if you need to update drivers for it after installation on your computer.
It’s very easy to do this - I’m showing on Windows 7. So, we go along the path “Start> Control Panel> System”. Here, in the left menu, select the "Hardware and Sound" item and click on "Device Manager" in the "Devices and Printers" section
By clicking on the plus sign next to the "Network adapters" line, we open a list of boards installed on the computer.
As you can see, it is not difficult to find out which network card is currently on the computer. But it also happens that the system does not see the network card. This time, a third-party program, such as AIDA, can help, which will scan all devices and identify them.
That's all for today, I hope you have decided which discrete or built-in network card is right for you, how to find it out and which one is better to buy. I am sure you will make the right choice!
network card, also known as a network card, network adapter, Ethernet adapter, NIC (English network interface card) - a peripheral device that allows a computer to interact with other network devices. At present, especially in personal computers, network cards are quite often integrated into motherboards for the convenience and cheapening of the entire computer as a whole.
Types
According to the constructive implementation, network cards are divided into:
- internal - separate boards inserted into the ISA, PCI or PCI-E slot;
- external, connected via USB or PCMCIA interface, mainly used in laptops;
- * built into the motherboard.
On 10-Mbit NICs, 3 types of connectors are used to connect to the local network:
- 8P8C for twisted pair;
- BNC connector for thin coaxial cable;
- 15-pin transceiver AUI connector for thick coaxial cable.
- optical connector (en:10BASE-FL and other 10 Mbit Ethernet standards)
On 100-megabit boards, either a twisted-pair connector (8P8C, erroneously called RJ-45) or an optical connector (SC, ST, MIC) is installed.
Next to the twisted pair connector, one or more information LEDs are installed to indicate the presence of a connection and the transfer of information.
One of the first mainstream network cards was Novell's NE1000/NE2000 series with a BNC connector.
Network adapter settings
When configuring a network adapter card, the following options may be available:
- IRQ line number
- DMA channel number (if supported)
- base I/O address
- RAM base address (if used)
- support for duplex/half duplex auto-negotiation standards, speed
- support for tagged VLAN packets (802.1q) with the ability to filter packets of a given VLAN ID
- WOL (Wake-on-LAN) parameters
- Auto-MDI/MDI-X function automatic selection of the operating mode for straight or cross twisted pair crimping
Depending on the power and complexity of the network card, it can implement computing functions (mainly calculation and generation of frame checksums) in hardware or software (by a network card driver using a central processor).
Server network cards can be supplied with two (or more) network connectors. Some NICs (built into the motherboard) also provide firewall functionality (eg nforce).
Functions and characteristics of network adapters
The network adapter (Network Interface Card (or Controller), NIC), together with its driver, implements the second, channel level of the open systems model in the end node of the network - a computer. More precisely, in a network operating system, the adapter/driver pair performs only the functions of the physical and MAC layers, while the LLC layer is usually implemented by an operating system module that is common to all drivers and network adapters. Actually, this is how it should be in accordance with the IEEE 802 protocol stack model. For example, in Windows NT, the LLC level is implemented in the NDIS module, which is common to all network adapter drivers, regardless of which technology the driver supports.
The network adapter, together with the driver, performs two operations: transmitting and receiving a frame. Transferring a frame from a computer to a cable consists of the following steps (some may be missing, depending on the encoding methods used):
- The design of the MAC layer data frame into which the LLC frame is encapsulated (with flags 01111110 discarded). Filling in the destination and source addresses, calculating the checksum. Receiving an LLC data frame through an inter-layer interface along with MAC-layer address information. Usually, interaction between protocols inside a computer occurs through buffers located in RAM. Data for transmission to the network is placed in these buffers by higher-level protocols that retrieve them from disk memory or from the file cache using the I / O subsystem of the operating system.
- Formation of code symbols when using redundant codes of the 4V/5V type. Scrambling codes to obtain a more uniform spectrum of signals. This stage is not used in all protocols - for example, 10 Mbps Ethernet technology does without it.
- Issuance of signals to the cable in accordance with the accepted line code - Manchester, NRZ1. MLT-3 etc.
- Isolation of signals against the background of noise. This operation can be performed by various specialized chips or DSP signal processors. As a result, a certain bit sequence is formed in the adapter's receiver, with a high degree of probability coinciding with the one that was sent by the transmitter.
- If the data was scrambled before being sent to the cable, then it is passed through the descrambler, after which the code symbols sent by the transmitter are restored in the adapter.
- Frame checksum check. If it is incorrect, then the frame is discarded, and the corresponding error code is transmitted to the LLC protocol through the interlayer interface upwards. If the checksum is correct, then the LLC frame is extracted from the MAC frame and transmitted through the inter-layer interface upstream, to the LLC protocol. The LLC frame is buffered in RAM.
The distribution of responsibilities between the network adapter and its driver is not defined by standards, so each manufacturer decides this issue on its own. Typically, network adapters are divided into adapters for client computers and adapters for servers.
In adapters for client computers, much of the work is offloaded to the driver, thereby making the adapter simpler and cheaper. The disadvantage of this approach is the high degree of loading of the computer's central processor with routine work on transferring frames from the computer's RAM to the network. The central processor is forced to do this work instead of performing user application tasks.
Therefore, adapters designed for servers usually have their own processors, which do most of the work of transferring frames from RAM to the network and vice versa. An example of such an adapter is the SMC EtherPower network adapter with an integrated Intel i960 processor.
Depending on which protocol the adapter implements, adapters are divided into Ethernet adapters, Token Ring adapters, FDDI adapters, etc. hub, many Ethernet adapters today support two speeds and have the prefix 10/100 in their name. Some manufacturers call this property auto-sensing.
The network adapter must be configured before being installed on the computer. When configuring an adapter, you typically specify the IRQ number the adapter is using, the DMA channel number (if the adapter supports DMA mode), and the base address of the I/O ports.
If the network adapter, computer hardware, and operating system support the Plug-and-Play standard, then the adapter and its driver are configured automatically. Otherwise, you must first configure the network adapter, and then repeat its configuration settings for the driver. In general, the details of the procedure for configuring a network adapter and its driver largely depend on the manufacturer of the adapter, as well as on the capabilities of the bus for which the adapter is designed.
Classification of network adapters
As an example of the classification of adapters, we use the 3Com approach. 3Com believes that Ethernet network adapters have gone through three generations in their development.
First generation
Adapters first generation were performed on discrete logic microcircuits, as a result of which they had low reliability. They had buffer memory for only one frame, which led to poor performance of the adapter, since all frames were transmitted from the computer to the network or from the network to the computer sequentially. In addition, the configuration of the first generation adapter was done manually, using jumpers. Each type of adapter used its own driver, and the interface between the driver and the network operating system was not standardized.
Second generation
On network adapters second generation to improve performance began to apply the method of multi-frame buffering. In this case, the next frame is loaded from the computer's memory into the adapter's buffer simultaneously with the transfer of the previous frame to the network. In receive mode, after the adapter has fully received one frame, it can start transmitting this frame from the buffer to the computer's memory at the same time as receiving another frame from the network.
Second-generation network adapters make extensive use of highly integrated chips, which improves the reliability of the adapters. In addition, the drivers for these adapters are based on standard specifications. Second-generation adapters typically ship with drivers that work in both the NDIS (Network Driver Interface Specification) standard developed by 3Com and Microsoft and approved by IBM, and the ODI (Open Driver Interface Specification) standard developed by Novell.
third generation
On network adapters third generation(3Com includes its adapters of the EtherLink III family among them) a pipelined frame processing scheme is implemented. It lies in the fact that the processes of receiving a frame from the computer's RAM and transmitting it to the network are combined in time. Thus, after receiving the first few bytes of the frame, their transmission begins. This significantly (by 25-55%) increases the performance of the "RAM - adapter - physical channel - adapter - RAM" chain. Such a scheme is very sensitive to the transmission start threshold, that is, to the number of frame bytes that are loaded into the adapter's buffer before transmission to the network begins. The third generation network adapter self-tunes this parameter by analyzing the operating environment, as well as by calculating, without the participation of a network administrator. Self-tuning provides the best possible performance for a particular combination of the performance of the computer's internal bus, its interrupt system, and its direct memory access system.Third-generation adapters are based on application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), which increase the performance and reliability of the adapter while reducing its cost. 3Com called its frame-pipelining technology Parallel Tasking, and other companies have implemented similar schemes in their adapters. Improving the performance of the "adapter-memory" link is very important for improving the performance of the network as a whole, since the performance of a complex frame processing route, including, for example, hubs, switches, routers, global links, etc., is always determined by the performance of the slowest element of this route. Therefore, if the network adapter of the server or client computer is slow, no fast switches will be able to speed up the network.
Network adapters produced today can be attributed to fourth generation. These adapters necessarily include an ASIC that performs the functions of the MAC-level (English MAC-PHY), the speed is developed up to 1 Gbit / s, as well as a large number of high-level functions. The set of such functions may include support for the RMON remote monitoring agent, a frame prioritization scheme, remote computer control functions, etc. In server versions of adapters, a powerful processor is almost required, which offloads the central processor. An example of a fourth-generation network adapter is the 3Com Fast EtherLink XL 10/100 adapter.
network card for computer is part of the PC hardware configuration. This device will allow you to connect a personal computer or laptop to networks of any scale and provide interaction with them. network card for computer commonly referred to as an Ethernet card, it also has an alternative name - network interface card ("network interface cards" or NIC), network adapter or LAN adapter.
Standard Components
network card for computer at first it was one of the components of the add-on, which can be purchased and installed on a computer not immediately with all the components, but after some time when the need arises. But by now it has become clear that network card for computer becomes one of the standard components that are installed in the absolute number of all manufactured desktop computers, laptops and NET-books. Network cards are integrated into a large number of modern motherboards and other devices during the initial manufacturing process. If a network card for computer was installed in the system when assembling the system unit, then when connected to the local network, it will detect itself with small flickering indicators located near the network connector on the back of the system unit.
NIC Identification
Absolutely every network card for computer must be unique and for all this it is in the order of things equipped with the so-called "media access control" address or otherwise - MAC, which helps to identify each computer that transmits data packets over the network. This address is a 48-bit digital-character sequence, which is installed by the firmware method, into the read-only memory of the chip (ROM) soldered on the network board. The first row is the 24 bits of the MAC address and is called the Organizationally Unique Identifier or OUI. Usually the MAC address is tied to the manufacturer of the network card. Subsequently, it can be replaced with another using MAC spoofing technology.
OSI model
The network card mutually functions at two levels of the open systems interaction model, or otherwise OSI. The first level is usually the physical level, which quite naturally defines the fact that network card for computer can provide physical access to the network. A network card for a computer can also work at the second level of the OSI model, which is called the link layer and is responsible for addressing. The main task of addressing using these two levels is to encode the MAC address in data packets sent by each network card of any computer.
Types of network cards
Today, network cards can connect their computers both via a cable (physical) connection and via a wireless interface. When connected via cable, a standard network port with an RJ-45 connector is usually used. Wireless network connection does not require the use of any physical ports and interfaces.
Characteristics and capabilities of network cards
Both types of network cards, wired and wireless, currently allow you to develop approximately the same data transfer rate. It typically ranges from 10 megabits per second to 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps) depending on the manufacturer and model. Also, network card for computer serves to connect to the Internet, again through network protocols. , You can find out by clicking on the link.
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Appearance of the classic adapter
Physically, the adapter is a board with chips and connectors. Despite the fact that many modern models of these devices are integrated into the motherboard and, in fact, they are a chipset and a connector brought to a convenient place, they still continue to be called cards. There are also names such as network adapter and network card. The device is able to convert the electrical signal coming from the connected cable into data understandable to the computer.
How network cards work
The adapter is located at the second, link layer of the OSI model. In order for the operating system to know how to interact with the network card, a driver must be installed. Usually they are supplied with the device or are available on the official website of the manufacturer. Many versions of Windows can pick up the adapters installed in the system without installing additional drivers. As for Linux distributions, almost all of them are able to work with the adapter out of the box.
What is a network card in a computer for, and how does it work? When receiving data, the card receives a set of signals, as a result of the conversion of which it receives a certain sequence of bits. Then the checksum of this piece of data is checked. If it matches, then they are placed in RAM. If not, they are discarded and an error is signaled. When transferring data to the cable, all actions are performed in reverse order. It should be noted that manufacturers of network adapters, in order to make them less expensive, shift many tasks onto the shoulders of drivers. In server solutions, network cards may have their own processor, which is itself responsible for processing, encrypting and converting signals.
A bit of educational program: OSI is a generally accepted model and an international standard according to which protocols and devices are developed. It has 7 levels, each of which implements its task. A short list of them looks like this: physical (cables, radio channels), channel (network cards, DSL), network (routers), transport (TCP, UDP protocols), session (exchange and maintenance of information flows), presentation (data conversion), application (HTTP, FTP, bitTorrent protocols).
Main characteristics of network cards
Adapters have a lot of features. But for home use, most of them are useless. Therefore, we will consider those points that, one way or another, significantly affect the price and scope of use:
- baud rate. Almost all modern devices, even those for 500 rubles, can support a transfer rate of 1 Gigabit. Therefore, there is no significant difference here. However, it is worth paying attention to this parameter;
- interface or connection type. This is how the network card will connect to your computer. Three connection types dominate the market today: USB, PCI, and PCI-E;
- number of RJ-45 connectors. If you plan to use a computer to transfer the Internet over the next link in the network, or if you just need a local network, then you should look at models that have 2 or more connectors on board;
- card profile. There is a misconception that a low profile card, or Low Profile, means that it only takes up one slot. This is not true. A low profile in network as well as video cards means the width of the board. In simple terms, this is the height of the card above the motherboard. Although almost all network cards are low profile, if there is not enough space inside the system unit, you need to stop at a device marked Low Profile.
All other characteristics are not so important, and in most cases they can be neglected.
Types of network cards by connection method
Earlier, we touched a little on the topic of connecting adapters. Let's analyze it in more detail. All such devices can be divided into three large types: integrated, internal and external.
Integrated or embedded
Probably the most common type. They are chips mounted on the motherboard. Accordingly, all the necessary connectors are displayed on the rear panel. Most modern motherboards come with this type of network adapter. It is worth noting that Wi-Fi modules are also network cards for a computer, however, they are usually called that - “Wi-Fi module”, of course, if it is not integrated.
Internal PCI and PCI-E network cards
These devices are separate boards that are mounted in certain connectors or buses. The most common are PCI and PCI-E. The first form factor is gradually becoming obsolete and giving way to PCI-E. But still such cards can still be found on the market. PCI-E can have different lengths. But when specifying characteristics, this parameter is usually discarded, since it is standardized.
PCI and PCI-E are easy to distinguish
It is worth mentioning the PCMCIA standard separately. This specification was developed as an expansion module and was very widely used in laptops of the past. With its help, it was possible to connect not only network cards, but also many types of other equipment. To date, this standard is practically not supported.
External USB network cards
A relatively new trend in the adapter market. Represents an external device connected to a USB port. It looks like a flash drive. All microcircuits are hidden in a neat case. In the simplest case, it can have one RJ-45 connector. Very convenient and compact type of network card.
What does a network card look like and where is it located in a computer
Finding a built-in network card in a computer is not so difficult. The board that has an RJ-45 connector, a standard connector for almost all Internet providers, will be networked. In addition, many devices are equipped with LED indicators of operation.
How to find out the network card of a computer if it is integrated? It also has an RJ-45 connector on the back of the system unit, however, the chip itself can be soldered anywhere on the motherboard. To find it, you have to turn to the schematic card that usually comes with the motherboard.
What is a network card in a laptop? In most cases, this is a separate Wi-Fi chip and a separate Ethernet. If the first stands out noticeably, then the second may be a very tiny chip somewhere in the back of the motherboard.
How to set up a computer network card
You need to configure the adapter based on your needs. So, in most cases, after installing and connecting the cable, it should work out of the box. Quite often you have to change the settings for obtaining an IP address. There are two types: getting the address automatically and specifying it manually. In most cases, the automatic option is enough. You can check which mode is set or change it by going to the Start menu control panel.
Here you need to find the "Network and Sharing Center" and click on the link "Local Area Connection".
Current connection status window
A status window will appear in which we are interested in the "Properties" button. In the new window that opens, select the "Internet Protocol version 4" item and click on the "Properties" button again.
Among the protocols, you need TCP / IP version 4 or 6
The next window will prompt you to select the option to obtain an IP address by setting the switch to the desired mode.
In most cases, the IP address is issued automatically, so it is unlikely that you will have to configure
In a special publication, we will talk about Wi-Fi routers. You will find out which Wi-Fi router is better, their technical characteristics, how to connect it yourself and get acquainted with the prices.
What to do if the computer does not see the network card
Pretty common problem. It can be solved in various ways, depending on the situation. Consider solutions for integrated and internal cards. The situation when the computer does not see the card can arise for several reasons:
- the device is disabled in the BIOS;
- drivers are not installed;
- physical malfunction.
In all other situations, the card should appear in Device Manager at least as an unrecognized device, which will allow you to install drivers. The Onboard H/W LAN item is responsible for disabling the network card in the BIOS. It must be in Enabled mode. Interestingly, here, in the BIOS, it sometimes helps to detect the card by disabling the Green LAN item. This is not a universal approach, since these items may not be available at all in different models of motherboards.
Standard BIOS for most motherboards
As such, the lack of drivers usually still allows you to detect the network adapter in the device manager. If the card is built-in, then you will need to install motherboard drivers to detect it. If it is very easy to do this in laptops by finding the right driver package for the device model, then for stationary systems you will have to accurately determine the motherboard model and download the drivers from the official site.
ATTENTION!
Always download drivers only from official developer sites. This will prevent viruses and malware from penetrating your system and use the most recent version of the software.
As for the physical malfunction, then there's nothing you can do about it. Especially if the card is built-in. It remains only to buy a new external or internal.
How to choose a network card for a computer
Basically, the choice of cards for a computer comes from the spectrum of PCI models. You can, of course, look in the direction of USB, but why occupy an external connector in a stationary device if you can carefully install the board inside? PCI can also be different. Specifically, PCI is an earlier format for connecting various devices. Now PCI-E is more common. Its main difference is higher throughput. Therefore, before buying, it is advisable to find out exactly which connectors are on the motherboard, and based on this, choose a network device. By the way, most network cards have a PCI-E x1 connector, that is, with one line.
In the network equipment market, the brand is no less important. Now, probably, only the lazy does not release network adapters. Among the assortment you can find both well-known brands and semi-basement Chinese nouns. Naturally, the quality and reliability of work will be higher for solid and expensive cards. But you can find a middle ground by choosing an inexpensive, perhaps Chinese, but factory copy. We will review popular manufacturing companies a little later.
As for speed, the average user is unlikely to feel the difference between Gigabit and 100 Mbps. Unless he plans to transfer large files in large quantities in the local network. With current ISP technology, buying a network adapter with a speed of more than 100 megabits is hardly the best solution. Network cards for a computer with Wi-Fi are more sensitive to parameters such as speed, multi-frequency capability, and supported protocols.
How to choose a network card for a laptop
The era of PCMCIA cards is over. It is very difficult to find such devices on the market now. Therefore, the solution for laptops is network cards with a USB connector. The only noticeable difference between them is the version of the USB interface. Here, the higher the better. But do not forget that the port on the laptop must be the same version for full compatibility and to unlock the full potential of the device.
How to install a network card on a computer
Installing a USB adapter in a computer is very simple - plug it in and you're done. Therefore, consider the option of mounting an internal adapter. Before connecting a network card to a computer, you need to remove the cover on the back of the system unit opposite the corresponding PCI or PCI-E slot. Then you just need to carefully insert the device into the slot and tighten the mounting plate with a screw. Everything. Naturally, the entire operation must be carried out with the computer turned off.
Manufacturers of popular cards and their products
When mentioning network cards, several manufacturers come to mind at once, whose names are always well-known: Intel, Tp-Link, D-Link, HP, gembird and others. Since network cards do not have special extended functionality, let's briefly go through the manufacturers and look at their devices.
Intel EXPI9301CT
Intel knows how to produce not only processors, but also network adapters and many other devices
Gigabit low profile network adapter from a well-known company. It has 1 RJ-45 connector and works with all known operating systems. Connection type - PCI-E. You can buy such a network card for a computer for 2,000 rubles.
Here's what users say about it.
Review of Intel EXPI9301CT
Read more on Yandex Market: https://market.yandex.ru/product/4762772/reviews?track=tabs
TP Link TG-3468
Budget option from TP-Link
Gigabit option from the budget segment costing 500 rubles. Connection bus − PCI-E. There is 1 RJ-45 connector. Additional features include support for Wake-on-Lan.
Review of TP-Link TG-3468
Read more on Yandex Market: https://market.yandex.ru/product/3530612/reviews?track=tabs
D-Link DUB-E100
Compact and handy device
Simple USB adapter. The maximum data transfer rate is 100 Mbps. The USB version is 2.0. Supported by all known operating systems. One connector for connection. The adapter costs 800 rubles.
Review of D-Link DUB-E100
Read more on Yandex Market: https://market.yandex.ru/product/811694/reviews?track=tabs
3COM 3C905C-TX-M
Network adapter classic
Conventional 100 Mbps adapter with PCI bus. 1 RJ-45 connector. Not all operating systems are supported. The cost of the device is 3,000 rubles.
Review of 3COM 3C905C-TX-M
Read more on Yandex Market: https://market.yandex.ru/product/804511/reviews?track=tabs
ASUS NX1101
Low profile helps save space for other indoor modules
Asus card 1000 Mbps. The PCI bus is used for connection. Connector RJ-45 - 1. The device costs 930 rubles.
Review of ASUS NX1101
Read more on Yandex Market: https://market.yandex.ru/product/968961/reviews?track=tabs
Apple MD463ZM/A
Apple has its own connection standards
A device based on Apple products. Accordingly, instead of a USB port, its own Thunderbolt interface is used here. The data transfer rate is up to 1 Gigabit. The connector is present 1 type RJ-45. The adapter costs 2,100 rubles.
Review of Apple MD463ZM/A
Read more on Yandex Market: https://market.yandex.ru/product/8356351/reviews?track=tabs
Acorp L-1000S
Simple externally and internally model
At one time, Acorp was one of the leaders in the production of network equipment, in particular, Dial-up modems. This card is a PCI 2.3 network adapter. The data transfer rate is 1 Gigabit. To connect the cable, 1 RJ-45 port is used. There is a Wake-on-LAN option. The adapter costs only 370 rubles.
Review of Acorp L-1000S
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ST Lab U-790
This model can be put in your pocket and take with you on the road.
A simple 1000 Mbps network adapter. Connects via USB 3.0. There is 1 RJ-45 connector for the cable. All modern systems are supported. You can buy a card for 1,500 rubles.
ST Lab U-790
Read more on Yandex Market: https://market.yandex.ru/product/9332263/reviews?track=tabs
Zyxel GN680-T
Zyxel, or Zuhel in the common people, is reliable and easy to operate
Gigabit card on PCI 2.3. One RJ-45 connector and Wake-on-LAN. A large list of operating systems is supported. The cost is 1,300 rubles.
Review of Zyxel GN680-T
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5Bites UA2-45-02
The model can be presented in two colors: black and white
Pretty simple and budget device. Its cost is only 400 rubles. For such money, the user will receive 100 Mbps, a USB 2.0 interface and 1 RJ-45 port. Almost all systems are supported.
Review of 5Bites UA2-45-02
In the world of technological progress and global computerization, rapidly developing technologies have touched every modern user. Access to the World Wide Web is no longer limited to using only one computer.
Today, in every home, almost all family members, young and old, have one or more different devices with access to the network. It is very convenient in this case to install a Wi-Fi access point and distribute a signal to any connected equipment. Modern devices, such as laptops, tablets, phones, have built-in Wi-Fi receivers, making them easy to network.
A network card, or network adapter, is an integral part of a computer that determines its interaction with the network. With the exception of obsolete device models, many laptops and computers are equipped with a network adapter at the time of manufacture. This provides the ability to connect to the internet without purchasing a separate item. But, despite the built-in adapter, you can and should purchase an additional external device, expanding the possibilities of data exchange.
The network card can be integrated into the motherboard or external. Regardless of the variety, it is assigned a Mac address, thanks to which the computer connected to the network is identified.
WiFi network card
The computer can be connected to the Internet physically using a cable connected to the PC's network port, or wirelessly, for which the use of connectors is not required.
The Wi-Fi network card causes the computer to receive a signal from the wireless network. It can be connected to the PCI connector of the motherboard or the USB port of the computer, less often to Ethernet (basically, this type of connection is applicable to older devices). A Wi-Fi card connected to the USB port of a PC or laptop is the most convenient in terms of mobility, it is easy to connect it to another device if necessary.
In addition to the connection method and appearance, there are differences in the speed and power of the adapter. Some cards can only receive signals, while others can also transmit. Adapters equipped with the Soft AP function provide the creation of a Wi-Fi access point.
The range of signal reception and transmission can be carried out both over long distances up to hundreds of meters, and limited to a small access zone. As in the case of a router, there is no need to use too powerful network cards for home use, unless, of course, you are going to distribute Wi-Fi to all neighbors or take someone else's signal. In addition, the price will depend on the power of the model, and it is not advisable to overpay for a card that will work in a small area. More hefty adapter models are applicable to a large area of offices or enterprises.
The principle of operation of the Wi-Fi adapter
Access to the Internet via a wireless network is carried out thanks to the joint work of a network card and a router or modem. Wi-Fi technology operates on a specific frequency range. Data exchange with the network is carried out through a router or modem, which communicates with the air by radio waves. For the computer to perceive the radio signal, a network card is used, which reads and converts the signal into electronic. All devices equipped with an adapter and within range of the router's transmitter will receive the incoming signal. To digitize data for recognition by the device, the adapter is equipped with a microcircuit and special software that controls the operation of the module. For the correct operation process, the necessary drivers must be installed.
Types of adapters
All adapters are divided into two main categories:
External. Such network devices are connected through the USB port of a computer or laptop. They do not have a high data transfer rate, but they pleasantly compensate for this disadvantage with a price, which is why they are the most popular today. In appearance, such adapters are similar to USB drives. To get started, you need to insert the device into a free port and connect to a wireless connection.
internal or built-in. Connected to the PCI slot on the motherboard. To install this type of adapter, you will have to remove the cover of the system unit. The dimensions of the built-in network card are larger than those of the external one. This version of the device has a good bandwidth, causing a high data transfer rate. The price of the issue will be much higher than that of external adapters.
There is another version of devices that has not received wide distribution - card (Card-Bus). These types of adapters are connected to the PC Card slot, if your computer equipment has one.
Wireless network cards can be connected not only to computers and laptops. A separate niche is occupied by external adapters for TVs. They can be both universal and designed for specific models. If your TV does not have a Wi-Fi receiver, but does have one, you can purchase a compatible adapter to connect to a network source.
NIC Antennas
A device equipped with an external antenna will receive the signal better. Of course, the dimensions of the receiver are not always conducive to comfort, so you can choose an adapter with a removable antenna or with a connector where you can insert it if necessary.
When choosing a device, the antenna power must match the conditions of the location where you want to install the network.
The number of antennas affects the rate of information transfer. Models equipped with detachable antennas are very convenient in case of a far location of the router; if necessary, it is possible to install a more powerful design for receiving radio waves. External antennas provide longer range.
Installing and configuring a Wi-Fi adapter
Despite the significant differences in network cards by type and type of connection, they are all configured according to a similar principle.
First you need to connect the adapter physically to the desired connector on your computer or laptop. Windows will detect new hardware. Although there are always compatible programs in the system set, it is still better to install the drivers from the disk that came with the network device for correct operation. You can also download the necessary software from the official website of the manufacturer. Data exchange through the adapter occurs thanks to the driver, which is why it is better to install software that is suitable specifically for your device model.
After installing the Wi-Fi card, the network connection icon will appear, click on it and in the properties of the wireless network connection, find the Internet protocol TCP / IP. Here you need to enter the network settings, you need to find them out by contacting the technical support of your provider, and enter them in the fields to fill out. Settings can also be assigned automatically. When you have chosen the necessary parameters and access points, it remains to assign a Mac address to the card. This task is performed by the network administrator, to do this, call technical support and notify about the adapter change and the need to change the Mac address.
When choosing a network device, pay attention not only to the functionality, because you will not use all the features of the card, and the price for a wide range of functions will increase several times. Pay attention to some factors, such as the dimensions of your room in which the Wi-Fi network will be used, the distance between the router and the computer, the thickness of the walls. The manufacturer also plays a significant role in the reliability of products, it is better to choose a proven, proven product quality, such in the computer equipment market in abundance. It is advisable to purchase adapters from the same manufacturer as the router or modem, thereby ensuring better device compatibility.
