Wireless Networking

Wireless Cards/Adapters

Now, in order for your computer to be able to connect to your wireless access point, you need the right hardware for your computer. Depending on your computer and its distance from the access point, there are all kinds of options available.

If you have a laptop, the most common way to go is with a PCMCIA card. This is a card that slides into a slot on your laptop, and usually extends beyond the side of your computer with the antenna(s) to receive the signal. Two examples of PCMCIA cards are below. Another way to go with many newer laptops is to have it built-in. Built-in Wireless usually has the antennas on the sides of your laptop or the display.

Cisco Aironet 350

Lucent Orinoco Gold

If you have a desktop, you have a couple choices as well. The first is to get a PCI card that you install. This requires the most work, because you need to open your computer and install the card. The other option is a USB adapter. This option is a lot easier, and can also result in a better signal, because you can usually place the antenna on top of or next to your computer, so it's not buried behind it. Pictures of both of these are shown below.

PCI Wireless Card

USB Wireless Adapter

 

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