Wireless Adapters

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So you have decided to go Wireless?  First, you need to connect your broadband connection to a wireless router or wireless access point. Now you are ready to connect your device to your wireless network (WLAN) through a wireless network adapter. A wireless network adapter allows your desktop, laptop, PDA, print server, gameing device and/or home entertainment device to your WLAN. When deciding to purchase a wireless adapter you need to keep several factors in mind: network standard, adapter type, compatibility and features.

Important factors to consider:

Network Standard


Range (diameter in feet)

Speed (Megabits per second)

Cost ($-$$$$)

Benefits/Disadvantages

802.11b (Wireless-B)

150 ft.

11 Mbps (5.5 Mbps average)$Operates @ 2.4Ghz; first most popular wireless standard. Good for home use or in small wireless network environments.
802.11a (Wireless-A)

100 ft.

54 Mbps (24 Mbps average)$$$Operates @ 5Ghz; faster and less interference than 802.11b and 802.11g. Mainly used in business or large network environments.
802.11g (Wireless-G)

150 ft.

22 Mbps
$$Operates @ 2.4Ghz; increased range over 802.11a (at lower costs); faster than 802.11b (and backwards compatible). Good for home use and/or moderate-sized network environments.
802.11n (Pre-N)

Unknown (at least 150 ft.)

Unknown (up to 108 Mbps)$$$$Operates @ 2.4Ghz; newest technology based on MIMO (Multiple-input, Multiple-output); lacks IEEE specification and standard implementation. Usage to be determined.
Dual-band (B/G or B/G/A)

150 ft.

22 Mbps
$$$Operates @ 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz; Allows for usage on multiple network standards. Often more expensive and slower than normal operating speeds. Good for home and/or business use.

For more information on network standards, visit C-Net.com's guide to Wi-Fi

Adapter Type

There are several formats to consider when purchasing your wireless adapter.  Choose the one that best meets your needs:

PCI

  • PCI stands for "Peripheral Component Interconnect."
  • For use with desktops.
  • Computer case must be opened in order to install card.

PCMCIA (PC Card)

  • PCMCIA stands for "Personal Computer Memory Card International Association."'
  • For use with laptops (or some desktops with PCI-PCMCIA adapter cards ).
  • Inserts into slot on side of laptop.

USB

  • USB stands for "Universal Series Bus."
  • For use with laptops or desktops equipped with USB support (most newer models are).
  • Inserts into any open USB slot.

Media Adapter

  • Also know as wireless ethernet bridge. 
  • For use with gaming devices and/or home entertainment devices.
  • Converts ethernet connection on device to a wireless connection.
  • Connects to audio/video ports from device.

CompactFlash (CF) / SD (Smart Digital)

  • For use with PDAs. 
  • Inserts into CompactFlash or SD slot (if so equipped).

Mini-PCI

  • Smaller version of PCI for use with laptops (if so equipped).
  • Inserts into Mini-PCI port (usually found underneath laptop).
  • Often integrated into newer laptops.

Compatibility

  • Operating system: Make sure your wireless adapter is compatible with your system (i.e., PC or Mac)
  • Brand: Some users choose to purchase the same brand wireless adapter as their wireless router (some even come bundled together). Often with newer technology (as in Pre-N), it might be favorable to purchase the same brand as certain products are designed to operate more effectively with similarly designed products.
  • Device: If you plan to connect your wireless adapter to a media device, make sure your adapter is compatible with your device (i.e., TiVo wireless adapter ).

Proprietary Features

Other features that might not come standard on every wireless adapter that you might want to include if they fit your wants/needs:

  • Security (i.e., Firewalls)
  • Simplicity of set-up
  • Ease of use
  • Stability

Top Manufacturers


Related Products

Wireless Routers

Cable/DSL Routers

Wired Adapters 

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