Best network card for rating computer: how to choose and where to buy

Network card for computer and laptop - what is it and why

Physically, the adapter is a board with chips and connectors. While many current models of these devices are integrated into the motherboard and, in fact, are a set of chips and printed in a convenient place slot, they still continue to call cards. There are also such names as the network adapter and the network card. The device is able to convert the electrical signal from the connected cable in data, clear the computer.

The principle of network cards

The adapter is located on the second, the data link layer of the OSI model. In order to make the operating system knows how to interact with the network card driver installation is required. They are usually supplied with the unit or available on the official website of the manufacturer. Many versions of Windows are able to pick up the adapter installed in the system and without having to install additional drivers. As for Linux distributions, virtually all of them are able to work with the adapter out of the box.

Why do need a network card in the computer, and how does it work? When receiving data on the card receives a set of signals from the transformation which it receives a certain sequence of bits. Then passes the checksum of this piece of data. If it matches, then they are placed in memory. If not, it is discarded, and an error signal is transmitted. When you transfer data cable all the actions carried out in the reverse order. It is worth noting that the network adapter manufacturers to make them less expensive, many blaming the problem on the driver's shoulders. The server solutions NICs may have its own processor, which is responsible for processing, encryption and conversion of signals.

A bit of literacy: OSI - is a common model and an international standard by which protocols and devices are developed. It has 7 levels, each of which implements the task. A short list of them is as follows: physical (cables, radio channels), the channel (network cards, the DSL) network (routers), transport (protocols TCP, UDP), session (sharing and maintaining information flows), the representation (data conversion), application (HTTP protocols, FTP, bitTorrent).

The main characteristics of network cards

The adapter features a lot. But for home use, most of them useless. Therefore, we consider the points that, one way or another, substantially affect the price and terms of use:

• data transfer rate. Virtually all modern devices, even those that for 500 rubles., Can support transfer speeds of 1 Gigabit. Therefore, there is a significant difference here. However, pay attention to this option is worth;
• interface or type of connection. That is, in what way will connect the network card to your computer. Now the market is dominated by three types of connectivity: USB, PCI and PCI-E;
• the number of RJ-45 connectors. If you plan to use your computer to transfer the Internet at the following link of the network or just More is needed, and a local area network, you should look for models that have on-board 2 or more connectors;
• card profile. There is a misconception that low-profile card, or a Low Profile, meaning that it takes up only one slot. This is not true. A low profile in the network, as well as graphics cards means the width of the board. In simple words, it is the height of the map on the motherboard. Although almost all of the network, low-profile card, if the seats inside the system is not enough, you need to stop on a device with a mark of Low Profile.

All other features are not as important, and in most cases they can be neglected.

Types of network cards according to the method of connection

Earlier, we touched upon the subject a little adapter connection. Let us examine it in more detail. Divide all these devices can be on three major types: integrated, internal and external.

Integrated or embedded

Probably the most common type. Chips are mounted on the motherboard. Accordingly, the back cover removed all the necessary connectors. Most modern motherboards come with this type of network adapters. It is worth noting that Wi-Fi modules are also network cards for the computer, however, they usually are called - «Wi-Fi module," of course, if it is not integrated.

Internal PCI network card and PCI-E

These devices represent separate boards, which are mounted at certain connectors or bus. The most common - is the PCI and PCI-E. The first form factor is becoming outdated and inferior to PCI-E location. Yet these cards can still be found in the market. PCI-E may have different lengths. However, when specifying the characteristics of this parameter is usually discarded because standardized.

PCI and PCI-E easy to distinguish

It is worth to mention the PCMCIA standard. This specification was developed as an extension module and is very widely used in notebooks of yesteryear. With it, you can connect not only a network card, but also many types of other equipment. To date, the standard is almost is not supported.

External USB network card

A relatively new trend in the market adapters. It is an external device connected to the USB port. Outwardly like a USB flash drive. All devices hidden in a neat package. In the simplest case, it may have one RJ-45 connector format. Very easy to use and compact type of network card.

Looks like and where the network card in the computer

Find built-in network card is not so difficult in the computer. That charge, which has an RJ-45 connector, standard connector virtually all Internet service providers and the network will be. In addition, many devices are equipped with LEDs work.

How do I know the computer network card if it is integrated? It also has a RJ-45 connector on the back of the system unit, however, the chip itself can be soldered anywhere on the motherboard. To find it, will have to turn to the map-scheme, which usually comes bundled with the motherboard.

What is a network card in your laptop? In most cases - it is a separate Wi-Fi chip and a separate Ethernet. If the first stands out, the other can be a very tiny chip somewhere on the outskirts of the motherboard.

Manufacturers of popular maps and their products

At the mention of network cards come to mind several manufacturers whose names are always hearing: Intel, Tp-Link, D-Link, HP, gembird and others. Since the special advanced features network cards do not have, let's briefly go through the manufacturers and look on their device.

intel EXPI9301CT

Intel is able to produce not only the CPU, but also network adapters, and many other devices

Low Profile Gigabit network adapter from a reputable company. 1 has a connector type RJ-45 works with all major operating systems. Connection type - PCI-E. Buy a network card for your computer, for 2000 rubles.

TP-Link TG-3468

Budget option from TP-Link

Gigabit version of the budget segment worth 500 rubles. connecting bus - PCI-E. There is one RJ-45 connector. Of the additional features can provide support for Wake-on-Lan.

D-Link DUB-E100

Compact and convenient device

Simple USB-adapter. The maximum data transfer rate - 100 Mbit / s. USB version - 2.0. Supported by all popular operating systems. Connector for one. It costs 800 rubles adapter.

3COM 3C905C-TX-M

Classic network adapters

Normal adapter 100 Mbit / s PCI bus. 1 RJ-45 connector. Not all operating systems. unit cost is 3000 rubles.

ASUS NX1101

Low profile will help to save space for other internal modules

Card from Asus for 1000 Mbit / s. To connect using the PCI bus. RJ-45 connector - 1. It is worth 930 rubles.

Apple MD463ZM / A

Apple has its connection standards

Device-oriented products of Apple. Accordingly, instead of a USB port is used the interface Thunderbolt. Data transfer rates of 1 Gigabit stated. Connector present one RJ-45 type. Adapter 2 worth 100 rubles.

Acorp L-1000S

Simple external and internal models

At the time, the company Acorp has been one of the leading manufacturers of network equipment, in particular, Dial-up modems. This card is a network adapter with PCI 2.3 interface. The data transfer rate of 1 gigabits. To connect the cable used 1 RJ-45 port. There is a Wake-on-LAN option. Worth adapter only 370 rubles.

ST Lab U-790

Such a model can be put into your pocket and take with you on the go

Simple Network adapter 1000 Mbit / s. Connected through the USB-3.0. Cable has one RJ-45 connector. It supports all modern systems. Buy the card can be up to 1 500 rubles.

Zyxel GN680-T

Zyxel, or in common "Zuhel", reliable and easy to operate

Gigabit card on the PCI 2.3. One RJ-45 connector, and Wake-on-LAN. It supports a large list of operating systems. The cost is 1300 rubles.

5Bites UA2-45-02

The model may be represented in two colors, black and white

Quite simple and budget device. Its cost is only 400 rubles. For that kind of money you will receive 100 Mbit / s, USB 2.0 interface and 1 RJ-45 port. Systems supported by virtually all.

How to choose the network card for your computer

Basically choice for PC cards is derived from the spectra of PCI-models. You can, of course, to see and to the USB side, but why hold an external connector in statsionarnike if you can accurately establish a fee in? PCI can also be different. Specifically, the PCI - is an earlier format to connect various devices. Now more PCI-E distributed. Its main difference - higher throughput. Therefore, before buying it is desirable to find out exactly which connectors are available on the motherboard, and already the basis of this, to select the network device. By the way, most of the network card has a PCI-E x1 slot, that is, on the one line.

no less important is the brand in the network equipment market. Now, perhaps, only the lazy does not let network adapters. Among the assortment can be seen as well-known brands, and the semi-basement Chinese nouneymy. Naturally, the quality and reliability of the above will have solid and expensive cards. But you can find a middle ground by an inexpensive, perhaps Chinese, but the factory instance. Review of popular manufacturers, we proizvedom later.

As for speed, the normal user is unlikely to feel the difference between the Gigabit and 100 megabits per second. Unless he is planning to transfer large files over and over a LAN. With existing technologies, internet service providers to buy a network adapter with a speed higher than 100 megabits hardly an optimal solution. Network card for a computer with Wi-Fi more sensitive to parameters such as speed, ability to work in several frequencies and protocols supported.

How to choose a network card for laptop

The era of a PCMCIA card connector has passed. Find the market now such devices are very difficult. Therefore, the solution for laptops - a network card with USB connector. The only material difference between them - a version of the USB interface. Here, the higher the better. But we should not forget the fact that the port on the laptop should be the same version for full compatibility and disclosure of all potential devices.

Prices for the network card for your computer - comparative table

This table will help you understand how much the network card for your computer, and what characteristics does.

How to install a network card on your computer

Install the USB Adapter into your computer very simply - connected and ready. Therefore, consider the case of internal mounting adapter. Before connecting to a computer network card, it is necessary to remove the cover in the rear of the chassis opposite the corresponding PCI connector or PCI-E. Then you just need to gently insert the device into the slot and tighten the retaining screw bar. All. Naturally, the whole operation should be performed when the computer is turned off.

How to set up a computer network card

Configure the adapter is necessary based on the needs. So, in most cases, after the installation and connection of the cable it should work out of the box. Quite often it is necessary to change the settings produce IP-address. There are two types: obtaining addresses automatically and manually specify. In most cases, lacks automatic variant. Check which mode is set, or you can change it by going to Control Panel "Start".

The main thing - to find the item "Local Area Connection"

It is necessary to find the "Control Center Network and Sharing Center" and click on the link "Local Area Connection".

The window of the current connection status

status window appears in which we are interested in the "Properties" button. In the new "Version 4 of the Internet Protocol" window that opens, select the item and once again click on "Properties".

Among the protocols needed TCP / IP version 4 or 6

The next window asks you to select an option obtain IP-addresses by setting the switch to the desired mode.

In most cases the IP-address is issued automatically, so it is unlikely to have to adjust

Which is better to buy a wi-fi (Wi-Fi) router and how to configure it.In a special issue, we will talk about Wi-Fi routers. You will learn how the router is Wi-Fi better their performance, how to connect yourself and look at the prices.

What should I do if my computer does not see the network card

Quite a common problem. Solve it in various ways, depending on the situation. Consider solutions for integrated and internal cards. A situation where the computer does not see the map, it may be for several reasons:

• device is disabled in the BIOS;
• Driver not installed;
• physical failure.

In all other situations, the card should appear in the manager of devices at least as unknown device, which will install the driver. For disabling the network card in the BIOS is responsible point Onboard H / W LAN. He should be in the Enabled mode. It is interesting that here, in the BIOS, sometimes it helps to detect the card off points Green LAN. This is not a universal approach, since different models of motherboards, these items may be absent altogether.

Standard for most motherboard BIOS maps

As such, no drivers are usually still can detect the network adapter in Device Manager. If the card is built-in, you need to install to detect the motherboard driver. If the notebook to make it very simple, find the driver package on the model of the device, then stationary systems have to pinpoint the motherboard model and download the driver from the official site.

ATTENTION!(Click to see)

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ATTENTION!

Always Download driver only from the official site developers. This will prevent viruses and malware into your system and use the most recent version of the software.

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With regard to physical failure, then there is nothing to be done. Especially if the card is built-in. It remains only to buy a new external or internal.

If you have your own experience in installing and operating or setting up a network card, you can share it in the comments.