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How wireless cards connect with a computer
- A wireless communication card works with a USB or PC card slot to connect a computer to the Internet. The card is inserted into the USB port on a computer or a slot. The slots on old computers are for PCMCIA cards, which are roughly 2 inches in width. The newer computers have Express cards, which are only a little wider than an inch. Both the PCMCIA and Express card are more convenient than the USB wireless cards because they don't protrude very far out of the slot on your computer. USB wireless cards can be bumped into things, especially when connected to a laptop. The upside to the USB style of wireless card is the fact that newer computers are coming out with more USB ports. Still, the PCMCIA and Express cards are most durable for anyone traveling with wireless Internet.
How infrastructure mode works with wireless cards
- Infrastructure mode is the most common type of wireless communication card type, often referred to as Wi-Fi. The infrastructure mode requires that a hotspot be present. Typically, today's home Internet connection may consist of a connection to the internet via DSL or cable, a computer for each occupant of the home and a wireless router. The wireless signal is broadcast up to about 100 feet. Each family member can access the Internet from the hotspot or wireless router via a wireless card connected to each computer. Individual IP addresses are assigned to each computer on the home network.
How ad-hoc mode works with wireless cards
- Ad-hoc wireless mode has become one alternative to DSL or cable ISP providers. With ad-hoc wireless communication type cards, the user accesses the Internet through his wireless provider without a hotspot. This means no messy cables or phone lines in the house. The wireless card working in ad-hoc mode uses the signal from nodes sharing the same frequency by the wireless carrier supplying the wireless ISP service. Ad-hoc doesn't need a LAN line or a wireless router. In fact, ad-hoc mode doesn't need DSL or cable either.Wireless cards using the ad-hoc mode require a data plan. This plan can be made through a wireless carrier, such as a mobile phone company. Before signing up with a wireless carrier, one should request a data map from each carrier, because different parts of the United States have better wireless data coverage than others. Using a cellular network is great for anyone who travels a lot. It is a much more affordable alternative to using satellite.The wireless card can be connected to any computer but will only work with one computer at a time. Alternatively, the ad-hoc wireless card can be made into a hotspot to share connectivity with nearby computers. For privacy and security reasons, it is best not to create a hotspot with your ad-hoc wireless connection.Courtesy | eHow
