Wi-Fi adapters are used to implement the function of a wireless Internet connection on devices that do not have such support. Adapters are usually installed in a USB port of a computer and also differ in the supported data transfer rate and signal reception level.
Types of adapters
Besides USB adapters, there are PCI, PCI-Express and PCMCI adapters. They are full-fledged network cards capable of transferring data at speeds exceeding 600 Mbps. Such devices are installed inside the computer and connected through the corresponding slot on the motherboard.
The advantage of USB adapters is their portability - they can be easily carried and used in other computers. However, the speed of data transfer and the level of signal reception in such devices can be lower than that of expensive PCI-E cards. This is due to the peculiarities and limitations of the USB interface. It is worth noting that some USB adapters support connection speeds of 150 and 300 Mbps. Such indicators are usually sufficient for a home wireless network and comfortable surfing the Internet.
Working with the device
The adapter is installed in the corresponding slot on the computer case according to the instructions that come with the device. After installing the device in the slot, the configuration is performed, i.e. installation of the necessary driver to support wireless data transmission through the adapter in the system. The driver can be installed either from a disk, which is usually supplied in one set with the device, or by downloading the driver installation file via the Internet from the manufacturer's official website. After the driver has been installed, the configuration of the network parameters begins, i.e. selection of the available Internet access point. The application of the parameters can be carried out directly in the system used on the computer.
Choice
When choosing an adapter, you should pay attention not only to its speed characteristics, but also to the manufacturer. The most popular and high-quality adapters are produced by companies such as D-Link, Asus, TP-Link, Zyxel, LinkSys. The most expensive models from these manufacturers have the ability not only to receive, but also to distribute an Internet signal. Thus, some adapters can act as a router so that you can connect using a phone or any other device to a wireless Wi-Fi network.
When choosing, pay attention to the network standard that the device uses to transfer data. For example, the fastest standard is 802.11n, which supports data rates up to 600 Mbps under ideal conditions.
