The reduced cost and increasing popularity are making almost every laptop have a network or Internet card. Using such cards, you can easily and quickly locate and access the free Wi-Fi networking areas.
If you are not aware of what laptop Internet cards are and how they prove to be beneficial, then keep reading. This article will let you look at all the important things you must know about network cards and ensure their effective use.
What Are Laptop Network Cards?
A wireless Internet card is a wireless terminal device for laptops. It allows users to connect to the web without a cable within the wireless range of a wireless LAN. With these cards, you can move around easily while staying connected to the Internet.
Wireless network cards provide Internet access through cellular (WAN) and short-range Wi-Fi, i.e., local area networks. The wireless cards are of 2 types – USB or PCI wireless network cards and 3G wireless network cards.
Need of Internet Cards for Laptops
Internet card, network card, or broadband card allows laptops to connect to the network via cable. NIC or network interface card is a network adapter or Ethernet card used for connecting to a network with an RJ-45 connector.
Such cards allow laptops to interact with the network using a cable (Cat 5). It can be possible using a network switch. The cable is plugged into a router that enables laptops to use a broadband connection. The laptop browses the web wirelessly like a smartphone.
Ways to Upgrade Laptop Wi-Fi Card
Most laptop users ignore the need to upgrade Wi-Fi cards which leads to Wi-Fi problems. But this is the biggest mistake. Upgrading Wi-Fi cards can create a dramatic improvement in performance. It prevents the need to fix Wi-Fi connectivity issues on laptops and provides faster throughput.
Remove the power adapter from the laptop and battery. Detach the antennas from the previous card. Remove the old card from the mounting space. Line up the contacts of the new card and insert it. Reattach the antennas and shut your device.
In case your device shows signs of problems with Wi-Fi, read the article about possible ways to eliminate those issues.
Does Your Laptop Have an Internet Card?
The latest laptop mostly has an integrated Wi-Fi card. However, some older versions don’t equip them. Don’t know whether your laptop has any wireless network? Turn on your device in an area having wireless connectivity and tap on the Windows start button.
Go to the Control Panel and tap twice on Network Connections. Find the icon – Wireless Network Connection. If you can see this icon, it means your device has a built-in Wi-Fi card. Right-click on this icon and choose Connect to Wireless Network.
Identify the Type of Internet Card
Windows users can find the network interface card (NIC) in their computer by typing System Info on the Start screen. Choose System Information and tap the plus icon. Click plus next to Network and highlight the Adapter option.
Your system has an Ethernet network card if you notice an RJ-45 LAN at the back of your laptop. You can also find it on the network card. Or, do an FCC search using the FCC identification number if you can’t find the network card’s model number.
How to Pick the Right Wireless Network Card?
The laptop Internet cards are available in different sizes, functionality, and shapes to properly fit into most laptops. Modern laptops already fit these cards internally. If you don’t have this and want to buy a new one, then consider the crucial points in your mind.
Check the coverage area, ensuring it works in your locality. Ensure it is electrically and physically compatible with your device. Also, check the standards. WiMAX and LTE supporting 4th generation data communication provide high-speed and quality connections.
How to Fix a Faulty Network Card?
If you see the symptoms of a failing Wi-Fi card, fix them by resetting the card. Right-click on the icon of an adapter to go to the View Network Connections menu. Tap Disable and then Enable. Visit the website of the card manufacturer to download the latest drivers.
The incorrectly installed network card may cause conflicts when detected by the laptop. So, install them properly by unplugging the adapter and associated conflict system from Device Manager. Now, reboot your laptop.
The Conclusion
This is all about the key things you must know about the Internet or network cards on laptops. If you want to connect to public wireless hotspots, you will require these cards. Every day these cards are getting more popular for surfing the Internet wirelessly from anywhere.
If you can’t see a card in the list, your laptop will not identify that card. And, if you’re noticing unexpected changes to the network connection, there might be a fault with your Internet card. Fix the issue by trying the above-mentioned troubleshooting tips.
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