Wireless Home Networking - Index of

34
Part I: Wireless Networking Fundamentals
Figure 2-3:
A wireless
network
adapter for
installation
inside a
desktop
computer.
Figure 2-4:
A PC Card
wireless
network
adapter.
PC and Express Cards
When you want to add wireless networking capability to a laptop computer,
your first choice for a wireless network interface should probably be a PC
Card (see Figure 2-4), also called a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association) Card. Nearly all Windows and some Mac laptops
have PCMCIA ports that are compatible with these cards. (An AirPort card is
a special type of PC Card. In Chapter 8, we tell you more about the AirPort
card and how to set up a wireless Mac network.)
A newer type of card called the Express card has been slowly taking over the
role of the PC Card. The Express card (www.expresscard.org/web/site/) is a
slightly smaller and more capable version of the PC Card. The Express card
uses less power, takes up less space, and provides faster connections to the
internal circuitry of the device in which it is installed.
All wireless PC Cards must have an antenna so that the built-in radio can communicate
with an access point. Most have a built-in patch antenna enclosed in
a plastic casing that protrudes from the PC while the card is fully inserted. You
should always take care with this type of card because it’s likely to get damaged
if it’s not stored properly when not in use (or if your dog knocks your
laptop off the coffee table — don’t ask!).
Many laptop computers use an internal Express card for wireless networking
functionality. These cards don’t slide into a slot on the side of the computer,
but rather are installed at the factory and use an antenna built into the case
of the computer.