

For example, many adapters support more secure forms of wireless encryption like WPA/WAP2 which prevents “hackers” from connecting wirelessly to your internet without permission. Note that if you want to connect via an Ethernet cable to your computer, then you will need either a wireless network adapter or an Ethernet broadband modem with USB connectivity (usually provided by your ISP) in addition to the required RJ45 port on your computer-so keep this in mind when shopping for cables/adapters.Īdvanced features – The advanced features supported by some adapters are typically related to security and encryption protocols. While it may seem as though Wi-Fi is preferred over Ethernet because of portability, power users tend to require faster speeds than Wi-Fi can offer. They come standard on most desktops and laptops unless you’ve recently purchased a very small laptop (subnotebooks) like those designed for business travellers. Mobile devices – Also called “cellular” or “mobile broadband” adapters, cellular-enabled laptops allow users to connect without a cable, but they’re only available in a few countries and have a monthly subscription fee associated with them.Īn Ethernet port is simply an RJ45 jack where an Ethernet cable can be plugged into your computer for wired connections. There are also slight differences between wireless network adapters which you should be aware of. Wireless network adapters are more common on laptops than they are on desktops because it’s convenient for users that move their machines around frequently-it doesn’t matter whether there’s a wireless or wired internet connection at any location since either will work. If you want to use Wi-Fi, you need a wireless network adapter installed in your laptop or PC, and if you want to connect with an Ethernet cable connection, then your computer will need an Ethernet port (which older desktop computers might not have). Wi-Fi vs Wired ConnectionĪ great way to understand the basics of How Wi-Fi Works is by thinking about how you can connect to your home’s router wirelessly versus connecting with an Ethernet cable. A router is what sends out those waves and broadcasts an available signal for laptops, PCs or smartphones to connect to. Wireless networking uses radio waves hence we call it “Wi-Fi”. The basic difference is that a wireless adapter allows you to connect wirelessly (wi-fi) and a wired connection is made via an Ethernet cable plugged into your computer’s RJ45 port – the same port used for telephone connections. Your laptop or desktop will have one or both of these adapters, depending on how it connects to an existing wireless network at your home, school, office, public space (coffee shops), and Internet Cafes. So what is a wifi adapter and what does a wireless adapter do? It’s important to know the difference between a wireless network adapter and a wired network adapter.

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