Wi-Fi adapters: they help you connect to Wi-Fi networks nearby.There are two main types of wireless adapters, based on the network type they help you connect to: Typically, they come in the form of a USB dongle device that you input into your computer. (Image courtesy of Verizon Wireless.A wireless adapter is a hardware device that is attached to a computer or laptop and allows it to connect to a wireless network. This cellular modem plugged into a PC Card socket on old laptops to connect to Verizon's 3G network. (Images courtesy of D-Link Corporation and TP-LINK Technologies Co., Ltd.) Adding Cellular The USB adapter (top) adds Wi-Fi to both laptop or desktop, while the card on the bottom plugs into a PCI slot on a desktop computer. See wireless broadband and cellular modem.īluetooth provides short range transmission between the computer and a mouse or keyboard.

See Wi-Fi and Ethernet.Ĭellular wireless adapters, also called 'cellular modems,' 'air cards,' 'broadband adapters' or 'broadband cards,' deliver the same 3G, 4G and 5G wireless service that smartphones use. Typically used to add Wi-Fi to desktop computers, they can also retrofit older laptops that never came with Wi-Fi or upgrade them to a more recent and faster Wi-Fi standard. Wi-Fi adapters provide connectivity to the local area network (LAN) in the home or office.

All of the adapters below are available as external USB modules as well as PCI or PCI Express (PCIe) cards that plug into an empty slot on the motherboard. How to Set Up Two-Factor AuthenticationĪ device that adds wireless connectivity to a laptop or desktop computer.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.

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