Wireless network interface controller

A wireless adapter (English ) or wireless adapter is a computer hardware, with which a computer to a standard interface (eg, PCI, USB, PCMCIA, PC Card ) can be extended so that access to a wireless network (WLAN) is possible.

Wireless adapters are used to connect a computer to a wireless base station. It is also possible to connect a plurality of adapter without an explicit base station in so-called ad hoc mode.

The adapters are available in several versions:

  • Internal adapter Wireless network card: a PCI card or PCI card that is installed in the PC.
  • MiniPCI card or miniPCIe: in the notebook integrated wireless adapter.
  • Internal adapter, accessible from the outside PCMCIA card for notebooks, with internal antenna or connector for external antennas.
  • CF Type II: WLAN cards conform to the Compact Flash standard, which are suitable for notebooks, but which are smaller than PCMCIA cards. With an adapter, these cards can also be used in a PCMCIA slot.
  • External adapter USB adapters are usually available in two versions: one as so-called sticks that can be directly plugged into a USB slot on the computer. This part also have a docking station, where the stick is connected to the computer in the station with a USB cable. On the other quite large devices are being used that have more power and larger antennas. These devices identical in appearance already small wireless routers.
  • Wireless LAN adapters: These adapters are universal and independent of the operating system used. They allow the connection of any devices to a WLAN, provided that such devices are equipped with a network interface. The adapter is connected to, etc. via a network cable ( RJ45) to the network interface of the computer, the printer, the LCD TVs, the Xbox. Power is supplied either through an AC adapter, a USB connector or via the network cable (Power over Ethernet). Wireless LAN adapter manufacturers also are found in the following product names: WLAN client adapter
  • Wireless Ethernet bridge, not to be confused with wireless bridging mode and Wireless Distribution System
  • Wireless Access Point in Client Mode: You can switch to client mode, certain access points, so that they behave like a wireless LAN adapter.
  • Network device
  • Wi-Fi
Wireless ad hoc network Wireless bridge
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