What is a network controller?

The network controller is an internal or external piece of computer hardware created to create and maintain a continuous connection to the local network (LAN) or wireless network (WLAN). There are several types of network cards, including cable, wireless, integrated and mini or portable. Portable cable and wireless cards are usually plug-and-play, while integrated cable and wireless cards require the installation of special network card software. In most cases, the LAN itself is connected to the Internet via the subscriber digital line (DSL) or cable modem. The data transmission speed depends on the speed of the adapter and the Internet connection speed. The three most commonly used standards in 2010 are 10base-T, which runs at 10 Mbit/s; 100base-TX that runs at 100 Mbit/s; and 1,000 base-t, which runs at 1000 Mbit/s.

The wireless network controller relying on the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wireless stAndards to create a wireless connection of 2.4 GHz or 5GHz with WLAN. In this case, the wireless router must be used for wireless signals between the wireless network card and the Internet modem. Among the three most commonly used standards in 2010 include 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n. The 802.11n standard provides the fastest permeability level up to 300 Mbps. Keep in mind that although some manufacturers require 600 MB/s, it's rarely.

Integrated network controller is installed on your computer. Such a card is located in the connection of peripheral components (PCI) or PCI Express slot, from which it transmits data from the motherboard to the network and vice versa. Note that the integrated network card can provide eitje cable or wireless connection, depending on the type of technology built into it. Integrated cards are preferred to users of desktop computers because PThey provide faster communication between computer and network, which in turn means reduced latency and faster access to access.

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portable or mini mini control card connects to the computer externally from the Universal Serial BUS (USB) or Firewire®. It also provides cable or wireless connection. Keep in mind that no matter how fast it is connected or wireless, it is limited at the speed of the interface. Regardless, mobile users extremely prefer mini network cards because they can be easily transported and can also be quickly switched from one laptop to another.

When deciding which type of network card card, carefully analyze the situation. If the network provider does not support 1,000 base-T or gigabit, then no benefit of the Gigabit Network Controller card could not be obtained. Or, if the PCI computer slots are already full, it would be unnecessary to buy an integrated card. Just say that every situation requires a unique solution forIzed by specific details - computer type, network speed, available ports and slots - situations.