Check for various Wireless Network Interfaces

Wireless networks are available everywhere, so many of us also want to choose a suitable wireless network card, but can you tell us the types of wireless network cards? When 802.11n is officially approved, low-configuration laptops may only be compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11 GB, but cannot meet the new needs of the 802.11n era. At present, wireless network interfaces are widely used, and the price of wireless network interfaces is very approachable, while the performance is more powerful. Wise users may choose a good wireless network card for their own, to enjoy the convenience and convenience of the wireless network.

Comprehensive Understanding of wireless network card types

When upgrading a wireless network card, you must first understand the situation of your laptop in order to upgrade it more cheaply and conveniently. Generally, there are two kinds of wireless networks in low-price laptops:

First, there is an expansion slot inside the body (MINI-PCI or mini pci-Express) and a preset antenna. In this way, you only need to purchase the wireless network card of the corresponding interface and connect the antenna. If you have an expansion slot (MINI-PCI or mini pci-Express) that is not cabled, you can also install and use the antenna after purchasing it.

There are two types of expansion slots in the fuselage: Mini-PCI or Mini PCI-Express. The Mini-PCI wireless network adapter can be supported from the end of the PII model to many models of the second generation. However, because currently popular models of the third generation are not supported by this interface, they are gradually exiting the market.

Wireless network adapter type 1: MiniPCI interface wireless network adapter

Mini PCI-Express wireless network card is a mainstream new generation of built-in network card. Although few products can be seen on the market at present, but with the Mini PCI-Express bus Replace the MINI-PCI era, will certainly become the mainstream of the market.

Wireless network adapter type 2: Mini PCI-Express interface wireless network adapter

The biggest advantage of the above two built-in wireless NICS is the reasonable wiring inside the fuselage. The signal effect is much better than that of the external wireless Nic, and it does not need to occupy the additional port of the local machine, there is no disadvantage that external wireless NICs are cumbersome. The biggest drawback is that the upgrade operation is troublesome, especially for low-cost models without built-in antennas. In addition, some brands (such as ThinkPad) use wireless network cards only to install products that pass their authentication, other products will report an error. In addition, because the built-in wireless network card is provided to the OEM market, most of the products on the market are for dismounting, there is the possibility of impersonating new goods as old goods, and the sale and purchase are more uncomfortable legal protection.

The second is that the corresponding expansion slot is not provided. Some low-end laptops may not provide related expansion slots on the motherboard to further reduce costs, so you can purchase external wireless NICs. External wireless NICs are commonly seen in USB and PCMCIA. However, with the popularization of the Third and later versions of the company, Express Card wireless NICS will gradually become more popular.

Among the three external wireless network cards, the advantage of the USB wireless network card is that it is easy to install and has a wide range of applications. It can be used in both a laptop and a platform. The disadvantage is that the temperature of the USB wireless network adapter increases rapidly during long working hours, especially in summer, when the battery is used for power supply, the operation may be unstable due to insufficient power. In addition, the USB wireless Nic occupies a USB port, which is prone to tension for laptops with limited ports. In addition, when using a USB wireless network card, it is not convenient to place the notebook in a small space. It is easy to break or lose the notebook when you move it to another place. You need to unplug it when you take it with you, which is inconvenient.

Wireless network adapter type 3: USB interface wireless network adapter

The PCMCIA wireless network card does not have these disadvantages: it does not occupy USB ports, it produces low heat during work, and is plug-and-play like a USB wireless network card. Although the antenna is still out of the fuselage, however, the rest is in the PCMCIA expansion slot, at least not as easy to break as the USB wireless Nic. Generally, the PCMCIA expansion slot is under the palm. In actual use, both hands will inadvertently block the wireless network card. Therefore, the signal of the PCMCIA wireless network card may be weaker than that of the built-in wireless network card. In addition, the PCMCIA wireless network card can only be used for laptops and is applicable only to a specific range.

Wireless network adapter type 4: PCMCIA Interface wireless network adapter

As for the latest Express Card wireless network Card, because the three generations of the company only support this interface, it will certainly become the mainstream wireless network Card on the market. However, the problem is hard to find this interface product on the market. What you can find and what the price is expensive is unbearable. At present, the Express Card standard is still being modified, it cannot be said that the current Express Card interface is only an excessive solution, so you do not need to consider it for the current upgrade.

Generally, it is recommended that you purchase a built-in wireless network card if you reserve an internal expansion slot for your laptop. After all, a wireless network card is less than RMB, which brings great convenience. If you can only use an external wireless network card, you should first select the PCMCIA Interface wireless network card, followed by the USB wireless network card. For a notebook that can only use Express Card, it is recommended to accept the high price. What is unacceptable is the USB wireless Nic.