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Each desktop computer or laptop requires a network interface card (NIC) to connect to a business local area network (LAN) and the Internet. Some computers will already have network connectivity built in, but network cards or adapters are probably required if your users require faster networking speeds or connectivity to a wireless network.
Ethernet (Wired Networks)
Netgear offers a range of network cards and adapters for connection to an Ethernet network. Choose Fast Ethernet 10/100 Mbps network cards or adapters for standard network users who predominantly send email, connect to the Internet or access shared resources including printers and file servers. Choose Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps network cards or adapters for power users demanding faster connectivity to transfer high-capacity files including graphics or management personnel requiring faster connectivity to meet their busy schedules.
Wireless Networks
More and more businesses are opting to create wireless networks or add wireless connectivity to an existing Ethernet network for remote users visiting the head office. We recommend using the latest ratified Wireless Networking Standards for office use, so until the Draft 802.11n wireless standard is ratified we recommend 802.11g wireless network cards and adapters.
Netgear offers a range of different type of network cards and adapters are available to connect laptops and desktop PC's using either cables for an Ethernet network or wirelessly for a wireless network or hot-desking area:
Cardbus Adapters - For Use With Laptops (Notebooks)
Cardbus Adapters (also known as '32-bit PCMCIA cards' or 'PC Cards') are slightly larger than a credit card and designed to fit into a standard PCMCIA slot. The PCMCIA slot is on the side of a laptop/notebook computer. Unlike standard 16-bit PCMCIA adapters, Cardbus adapters operate 6x faster to increase network efficiency.
PCI Cards - For Use with Desktop PCs
Most desktop PCs have at least one PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slot, found at the back of the desktop or tower computer chassis. PCI slots are used to install all sorts of add-in cards, including network connectivity - for either Ethernet (wired) or wireless networks.
USB Adapters - Versatile for use with either a desktop PC or Laptop
USB adapters can be used with either desktop or laptop PCs that have a free USB port; most computers have at least one, usually two. Using a USB adapter eliminates the need to open up the chassis of a desktop PC. Wireless USB adapters include a 1.5 metre cable and cradle to locate the antenna where the signal is strongest.
Setting-up Network Cards & Adapters
Card Bus adapters and USB adapters are easy to set-up; you probably won't even need to re-start the computer. The operating system (i.e. Windows) will detect the new device and ask to install the driver from the CD supplied with the adapter.
Once fitted PCI adapters are permanently fitted inside the desktop PC, however they have to be installed whilst the computer is turned off, as the PC chassis must be opened. Once installed, you can turn the PC back on and the new hardware Wizard will appear. Installed PCI adapters are then invisible as they sit inside the desktop PC.
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