What you need to know about wireless network cards before you buy one.
Wireless network cards are the usual way to connect to wireless networks. What do you need to know before you get one? Well there are PCIMCIA cards for laptops, and PCI cards for desktops. These are standard but are not interchangeable. You should also know that D-link and LinkSys both have a reputation for providing a poor link quality. This is in part because these two brands use a weaker power level signal output so devices made by either manufacturer tend to get significantly worse (or no) links than to other brands. Antennas can help increase the range; basically all can have an one attached. Most people do not use an external antenna because they tend to be a hassle.
Both PCI and PCIMCIA cards have the option for external antennas. These are usually small antennas that are intended to mount to the card; large versions are also possible but would be more work. Reception is frequently an issue so it may be a wise investment to spend a little more for the antenna, or one with a higher gain if you expect to be a frequent user. These can be purchased after the fact too. Macintosh has the airport series which is compatible with Microsoft Windows based systems as well as Linux. Other brands besides the airport line are also compatible with Macintosh.
Wireless network cards can operate in ad-hoc or infrastructure mode. Most devices are usually configured to operate in infrastructure configuration which means that there is always an access point to get a signal from directly. However in ad-hoc mode you transmit and receive with other computers with wireless adapters in them which (if properly configured) will relay you to whatever you are trying to use on the network. Ad-hoc setup requires that all the adapters be configured the same way, with the same SSID and the same channel number.
If you are looking to buy a network card it’s fairly straight forward. If you have a laptop you buy a 802.11 PCIMCIA networking card so you can be mobile without needing a cable. If you’re on a desktop then you get the PCI networking card, although there are USB wireless network adapters as well. The USB devices are external and thus easier to install. Try to avoid D-link and LinkSys even if they are cheaper; their other products are fine.
We have a wide selection of wireless network cards in our store at a very reasonable price. Please go and look it over.
If we do not have your card in stock we have a business partner who also carries cards for laptops and desktops.