Wireless Adapters

• Wireless adapters go by many names: wireless card, wireless drive, Wi-Fi card, airport card. However, they all basically serve the same purpose. They allow your computer to connect to a wireless network. In doing so, you can transport files, send email and connect to the Web from any point within range of the wireless access point.
  
  With advances in computers, wireless adapter technology can be crammed into just about any space. So, the type of device you are running will determine the type of wireless adapter you have.
  
  

Standard (Desktop) Wireless Card

• Desktop wireless adapter
  
  Standard wireless cards have been around for quite awhile now. They are most commonly found in desktop computers. Standard wireless cards connect to desktop computers via the PCI slot in back. If you have a desktop computer and have noticed an antenna located on the back panel of the computer, it is more then likely a wireless adapter.
  
  

Mini (Laptop) Wireless Card

• Laptop wireless adapter
  
  Almost all laptops these days have built-in wireless. These laptops use a wireless adapter called a mini wireless card. Because a laptop has less room for parts then a desktop, they must use a mini wireless card.
  
  

USB Wireless

• USB wireless adapter
  
  USB wireless adapters are somewhat new in comparison to other wireless adapters. Instead of being connected directly to the motherboard, USB wireless adapters will add wireless access to your computer via any available USB port. Most of these adapters look similar to a flash drive.
  
  

Different Bands

• Wi-Fi logo
  
  Aside from the different forms of wireless adapters, there are also different technologies. Most currently, wireless adapters run on a standardized wireless-G signal. However, in the last couple of years, many companies have transitioned over to wireless-N capabilities, which offer more range and better signal strength. Also, dual-band Wi-Fi has been developed as of late, which allows wireless access to be run in 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequencies simultaneously.
  
  In order to use these technologies, your wireless adapter must be compatible with the band. For example, you will need a wireless-N adapter if you want to take advantage of the wireless-N router capabilities.