Network Card for Wireless

G'day all

OK I know this sounds stoopid but...

I am hopefully upgrading from dialup to wireless in the next few weeks and I'm not sure about whether I have a network card

When I look in system properties under Network adapters is says I have the following:
1394 Net Adaptor
Realtek RTL8139/810X family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC
Both of these are disabled.....
So can I enable one (Realtek)??... when I go wireless???

Cheers guys
XOXO

 

If you go Wireless you will need a Wireless Network Card that is compatible with the Wireless Router you will be using.

The "Realtek RTL8139/810X family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC" is a Network Card and can be used for high speed internet, you can only use this with an ethernet cable. Wireless is completely different and uses completely different hardware.

Wireless Router

Wireless Card for Desktop

 

Thanks BJ
That was fantastic information and links..

Just a question on the router though...
I will be getting a small antenna on my roof which then supposedly connects to a wireless network card, so does this antenna substitute for the router you mentioned???

Cheers
Wendy
XO

 

Are you actually subscribing to a wireless network service locally?

If so, you will just need the Wireless Network Card, check with the company before you buy to make sure you get a compatible model. I recommend Wireless G but some Wireless Networks are not compatible with G. They're are two types of basic Wireless, there is Wireless B and Wireless G, there isn't much of a difference, the only real difference is that Wireless G is faster than B.

 

Yeah it's a local company in rural Australia
It doesn't say anything about B or G on their page, but I will ask them next week

I think my biggest problem will be that I am 28kms from the transmitter (not sure what that is in miles) so they are coming out next week to do a test transmission.

Thanks again
I really appreciate your responses

Cheers
Wendy
XOXO

 

If you mean 28km (kilometers) that's roughly 17 miles. If they have an excellent system and your elevation is fairly high you may be able to get it. All wireless providers IMO vary in range, it's all about where you are as in elevation to the tower.

They probably offer wireless, 802.11b and 802.11g. The main difference between them is the maximum transmission speed. 802.11b has a maximum speed of 11 Megabits/second. 802.11g has a maximum speed of 54 Megabits/second. Wireless devices designed for 802.11g will also work on the older, slower, 802.11b standard. Note that speeds will be reduced if the signal is weak