Laptop Wireless Network Cards

Today's wireless networks are composed of two primary components, an access point and a wireless adapter.

An access point converts the "wired" Ethernet signals to radio waves and are typically installed in ceilings or mounted high in a wall. People who already own a laptop without laptop wireless network cards will need to purchase one. Laptop wireless network cards are available from vendors in the area such as Wallmart and Circuit City, or from an online computer store.

The least expensive wireless network will set you back about $75 to $150 and will buy  laptop wireless network cards, a wireless AP, which again could cost about $100 to $200, and you'll also need at least one wireless NIC ($50 to $100). Most newer notebooks have 802.11g wireless capability built in and they will normally work with older routers, but older laptops with laptop wireless networkd cards of the 802.11b generation often have trouble with 802.11g routers.

Software and instructions for installing an external wireless card are provided with the wireless card that you purchase. Generally you need to insert the card into a Expansion slot (if external) and then start your laptop/notebook computer. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software, within 300 feet. We recommend that you utilize virus protection, a personal firewall, and other measures to protect the information on your laptop. The software also encrypts your email message as it travels over a public network.

The wireless PCMCIA adapter looks and acts like a regular Ethernet card but the antenna protrudes slightly from the laptop and the battery life of the laptop is slightly decreased. The antenna talks to the wireless network interface card on your computer, sending network traffic from your laptop to an access point. If it sounds confusing, think of your cordless phone. These adapters connect to your laptop using a short USB cable and their antennas improve signal range. You will need to disable any internal wireless network cards you have.

A unique feature found on lapstop wireless network cards of a leading vendor, features a small antenna that retracts when not in use. This is extremely beneficial given the mobility of laptop computers. The Hi-Gain antenna position swivels and folds to make finding an optimal signal easy and simple. When you are not using the card, simply fold the antenna down for compact, safe, easy transport. This comprises an internal Sierra SB300 modem, an antenna mounted on the screen, and some intermediate cabling and connectors. The internal wireless card, is more or less a PCMCIA type-III device, but instead of a 68-pin connector on the end, there's a flat ribbon cable bringing signal to it from the motherboard.