Driver for a network card: what it is and why it is needed. Network card (network adapter)

Many people working for computer or laptop, they don’t even know what a network card is needed on a computer for. How important is it for normal operation operating system. And if there is no need to connect to the Internet or perform tasks to create local network, you don’t have to think about what kind of important role can play Ethernet network card. But there comes a time when problems begin to connect to the Internet using a cable. Or there is a need to connect another computer to the Internet or local network - you have to go to the store and choose an additional network card for the computer.

Why do you need an Ethernet network card in a computer?

Possibility of network Ethernet cards allows you to connect only one network device to organize additional connection, you need to purchase another such board, you should always remember this.

You need to know that the network card is also designed for exchanging information over twisted pair (Ethernet). This is a more conventional protocol cable. And the board provides a high-speed coaxial connection via the 1394 protocol, and also organizes wireless Bluetooth networks or Wi-Fi. Therefore, in order to properly organize the necessary network structure, you need to take seriously the characteristics of the card itself. The characteristics of the new device must correspond to the tasks assigned to it in the current period.

It is possible to provide access to documents, printers, shared folders or organize your home network differently. This is done using a network card already built into the motherboard. When routers and routers are used, as is usually the case in practice, one network card will do the job. However, the process of creating a network will be quite complex. Using one device you will have to connect the Internet and your home network. For normal operation of the network with such a connection, you will need to additionally invite a specialist in this field. Although the need to organize such complex networks does not occur very often.

Connect and provide communication between two computers in home network Only one network card built into the motherboard can do it. To connect to the Internet, you will need to have two network cards, one of which is responsible only for connecting to the Internet. Organizing a connection of two computers in this way in a small company or office is more convenient, simple and profitable. You don't have to purchase and configure a router. The advantage of a network card over a router is its small size. In addition, to set up a router you need to have certain skills and abilities. And one more thing positive quality network card is that the connection additional device reduces the reliability of the entire system.

The disadvantage of this scheme is that the main computer with two cards must be constantly turned on, since the Internet will go through it. The router, even in always-on mode, will consume much less electricity, and there is no noise from it. But there are situations when a second network card is simply necessary, for example, in one cafe I worked with, a cash register was connected to the computer via one network card, transmitting its readings to the accounting program, and a router with a local network was connected to the other.

Discrete network card or built-in?

Sometimes it becomes necessary to install an additional network card, even if you have a working one built into the motherboard. Why? I have already said more than once that devices that are made to perform one task are much better than combined ones. Therefore, a discrete one, that is, a separate one, is usually more reliable and stable in operation than the built-in network card, which is installed by default on the motherboard. Good manufacturer puts all the emphasis on the quality of the card, which means that there will be no savings on its components, for example, the chipset. Also, discrete network cards have a number of other additional features, for example, lightning protection - there are often examples when, during a thunderstorm, the network card built into the motherboard burned out in a working computer.

Which network card to choose for a Windows computer?

Before you go to the store, you need to ask yourself a few questions that will guide you which product to look for:

For computer

For desktop computer experts advise choosing a card compatible with the PCI bus, which consistently exchanges data via twisted pair. At the same time, you need to know that the PCI bus is more common, and it is combined with IBM technology. If the computer device is made according to a different scheme, it may be a MAC, you need to choose a network card that can operate over twisted pair cable. When purchasing such a card, you need to become familiar with the connection options. It may happen that, having purchased a network card, it will be impossible to connect it, because some buses are not compatible with each other, either electrically or in software.

For laptop

Network card for a laptop, it looks a little different in appearance due to the features of the portable connectors on the laptop’s motherboard. It will be more difficult for a beginner to buy it and change it, so best option- take it to service center, where specialists will do this, or connect a USB adapter (in the picture below there are 2 network cards for the laptop - cable and wireless).

Wireless network adapter

Organization wireless network will require the selection of a USB or PCI Wi-Fi technology device. And even in this case, there is no need to buy and connect a router. The choice of network card should mainly be influenced by the connection speed and how it is connected. IN in this case A PCI device is more convenient; there must be free PCI slots. If they are absent, preference should be given to choosing a USB card. And it is important to consider compatibility with the protocol of these boards. In addition, they must be able to connect with each other.

Network cards designed for high speed connection via the IEEE 1394 protocol. Although they were originally designed for tree-based connections various devices. These are devices such as DV cameras, external network drives and so on. However, when using them, it is possible to organize very productive and quite fast connections between computers. A big obstacle to the use of such network cards is their high cost. These boards are much more expensive when compared to the prices of Ethernet boards designed for exchanging information over twisted pair cables.

Manufacturers of network cards

Today in stores you can see network cards from many manufacturers: Realtek, ASUS, Acorp, D-Link, Compex, ZyXEL, Intel, TP-LINK and so on. But you need to take into account that each company makes products for a specific target audience. For ordinary users On the Internet, the most popular cards are Acorp and D-Link - they are inexpensive and at the same time very high quality. The likes of Intel and TP-Link focus on making fairly powerful and expensive products for organizations to install on servers.

Additional technologies that improve performance and convenience that can be implemented in network cards:

BootRom - allows you to turn on your PC over a local network via remote computer.
PCI BUS-Mastering - to optimize the operation of the network card, which relieves the load from the main processor of the computer.
Wake-on-LAN - allows you to turn on your computer using a local network. For it to work properly, the computer must have a motherboard that supports this technology, and the computer must be connected to the network using special cable, if not PCI support 2.2.
TCP Checksum Offload - also allows the network card to save the processor from unnecessary work. A network card with TCP Checksum Offload support independently processes service information that arrives along with the main data over the network, freeing the processor from this work.
Interrupt Moderation - reduces the number of requests to the processor. This function will be especially useful in gigabit network cards, which carry a greater flow of information than conventional ones.
Jumbo Frame - allows you to speed up receiving data from large packets three times faster.

What network card is installed on a Windows 7 computer?

Before purchasing a new one, it would be a good idea to find out which network card is installed in your at the moment on the computer. This will also be useful if you need to update drivers for it after installation on your computer.

This is very easy to do - I’m showing on Windows 7. So, we follow the path “Start > Control Panel > System”. Here, in the left menu, select “Hardware and Sound” and click on “Device Manager” in the “Devices and Printers” section

By clicking on the plus sign next to the “Network adapters” line, we open the list of boards installed on the computer.

As you can see, finding out which network card is currently installed on the computer is not difficult. But it also happens that the system does not see the network card. This time, a third-party program can help, such as AIDA, which will scan all devices and identify them.

That's all for today, I hope you have decided which discrete or built-in network card is right for you, how to recognize it and which one is better to purchase. I'm sure you will right choice!

in the world technical progress and global computerization is rapidly emerging technologies touched everyone modern user. Access to World Wide Web is no longer limited to using only a computer.

Today, in every home, almost all family members, young and old, have one or several different devices with access to the network. It is very convenient in this case to set the point Wi-Fi access and distribute a signal to any connected equipment. Modern devices, such as laptops, tablets, phones, have built-in Wi-Fi receivers, making them easy to network.

Network card, or network adapter, is an integral part of the computer that determines its interaction with the network. With the exception of outdated device models, many laptops and computers are equipped with a network adapter during production. This provides the ability to connect to the Internet without purchasing individual element. But, despite the built-in adapter, you can and should purchase additionally external device, expanding the possibilities of data exchange.

The network card can be integrated into the motherboard or external. Regardless of the type, it is assigned a Mac address, through which a computer connected to the network is identified.

Wi-Fi network card

The computer can be connected to the Internet physically using a cable connected to network port PC, or wireless, for which the use of connectors is not required.

A Wi-Fi network card allows the computer to receive a signal from a wireless network. It can be connected to a PCI slot motherboard or a USB port of a computer, less often to Ethernet (this type of connection is mainly applicable to older devices). WiFi card, plugged into the USB port of a PC or laptop, is most convenient in terms of mobility; it can be easily connected to another device if necessary.

In addition to the connection method and appearance, there are differences in speed, adapter power. Some cards are only capable of receiving signals, others can also transmit. Adapters equipped with the Soft AP function provide the creation of a Wi-Fi access point.

The range of signal transmission and reception can be carried out as long distances up to hundreds of meters, and limited to a small access zone. As in the case of a router, for home use There is no need to use overly powerful network cards, unless, of course, you are going to distribute Wi-Fi to all your neighbors or take over someone else's signal. In addition, the price will depend on the power of the model, and it is not advisable to overpay for a card that will work in a small area. More robust adapter models are applicable in large areas of offices or enterprises.

How the Wi-Fi adapter works

Access to the Internet via a wireless network is possible thanks to working together network card and router or modem. Wi-Fi technology works on a certain frequency range. Data exchange with the network is carried out through a router or modem, which communicates with the air via radio waves. For the computer to perceive the radio signal, a network card is used, which reads and converts the signal into an electronic one. All devices equipped with an adapter and located within the range of the router’s transmitter will receive the incoming signal. To digitize data for recognition by the device, the adapter is equipped with a microcircuit and special software that controls the operation of the module. For proper operation, the necessary drivers must be installed.

Types of adapters

All adapters are divided into two main categories:

External. Such network devices are connected via USB port computer or laptop. They are not distinguished by high data transfer speeds, but they pleasantly compensate for this disadvantage with their price, which is why they are the most popular today. In appearance, such adapters look like USB drives. To get started, you need to insert the device into a free port and connect to a wireless connection.

Internal, or built-in. Connect to the PCI connector of the motherboard. To install this type of adapter, you will have to remove the cover of the system unit. The built-in network card is larger than the external one. This type of device has good throughput, causing high speed data transfer. The price of the issue will be significantly higher than that of external adapters.

There is another version of devices that is not widely used - card devices (Card-Bus). This type of adapter connects to a PC Card slot, if your device has one. computer equipment.

Wireless network cards can be connected not only to computers and laptops. A separate niche is occupied by external adapters for TVs. They can be either universal or intended for specific models. If your TV is not equipped with a Wi-Fi receiver, but has a corresponding connector, you can purchase an adapter compatible with it to connect it to a network source.

Network card antennas

A device equipped with an external antenna receives the signal better. Of course, the dimensions of the receiver do not always contribute to comfort, so you can choose an adapter with a removable antenna or with a connector where you can insert it if necessary.

When choosing a device, the antenna power must correspond to the conditions of the location where you want to install the network.

The number of antennas affects the speed of information transmission. Models equipped with removable antennas are very convenient if the router is located far away; if necessary, it is possible to install a more powerful radio wave reception structure. External antennas provide greater range.

Installing and configuring a Wi-Fi adapter

Despite the significant differences in network cards in terms of type and type of connection, they are all configured according to a similar principle.

First you need to connect the adapter physically to required connector computer or laptop. Windows system will detect new equipment. Although in system set there will always be compatible programs, but for correct operation It is better to install drivers from the disk that came with the network device. You can also download the necessary software from the manufacturer's official website. Data exchange through the adapter occurs thanks to the driver, which is why it is better to install software that is suitable specifically for your device model.

After installing the Wi-Fi card, a network connection icon will appear, click on it and in the wireless properties network connection find the Internet protocol TCP/IP. Here you need to enter network parameter settings; you need to find them out by contacting your provider’s technical support and enter them into the fields to fill out. Settings can also be assigned automatically. When did you choose required parameters and access points, all that remains is to assign a Mac address to the card. This task is performed network administrator, to do this, call technical support and notify about the adapter change and the need to change the Mac address.

When choosing network device Pay attention not only to the functionality, because you will not use all the features of the card, and the price for a wide range of functions will increase several times. Pay attention to some factors, such as the dimensions of your room in which it will be used. Wi-Fi network, distance between the router and computer, wall thickness. The manufacturer also plays a significant role in the reliability of products; it is better to choose a proven one that has proven itself in the quality of its products, of which there are many in the computer equipment market. It is advisable to purchase adapters from the same manufacturer as the router or modem, thereby ensuring better compatibility devices.

A network card is a computer component that is used to connect to a local network. These devices rarely cause any problems, so in most cases, users do not even know which network card is on their computer.

However, such information may be needed, for example, to find suitable drivers. In this material we will look at 3 ways to find out the name of the network card used on the computer.

Method number 1. Device Manager.

If you want to find out which network card is on your computer, the easiest way is to use Device Manager. You can open Device Manager in different ways. The easiest option is to press the combination Windows-R keys and in the window that appears, enter the command “mmc devmgmt.msc”.

You can also use the search in the Start menu. To do this, open the Start menu and enter search bar"Device Manager". After this the system will find the desired program and will offer to open it.

After opening Device Manager, expand the Network Adapters list. IN this list you will see the name of the network card that is installed on your computer.

It should be noted that sometimes the “Network adapters” list may contain virtual network cards. Such cards may appear after installing some programs (for example, VirtualBox).

Method number 2. Command line.

You can also find out which network card is on your computer using the “Command Windows strings" To do this, you first need to launch the command prompt. This can be done in different ways. For example, you can press the Windows key combination-R and execute the command “cmd” in the window that appears.

After opening command line in it you need to run the command “ipconfig /all”.

As a result, information about all network connections used on your computer.

Here, among other information, the name of the network card will be indicated for each network connection. It will be indicated in the “Description” line.

Method number 3. Programs.

You can also find out the name of the network card that is on the computer using special programs to view your computer's characteristics. For example, you can use free program. Install this program to your computer and run it.

After starting the program, open the “Network” section. Here you will find all possible information about your network connections and network cards.

Description of network cards for computers and laptops.

Navigation

A network card is a device that allows users to access the Internet, as well as a local network from a computer or laptop. As a rule, modern network adapters have an Ethernet connector to which an Internet cable is connected. It could be fiber optic cable, coming from Wi-Fi devices or the corresponding modem.

In addition, there are also wireless network adapters if the user does not have the ability or desire to run cables across the entire apartment.

In today's review we will discuss in more detail what network cards are, what they are needed for and how they work.

Network cards

As already noted, network cards are essential integral part computer or laptop that allows us to work on the Internet. Network cards may differ from each other in bandwidth, type and other parameters.

What types of network cards are there?

Here we list the main types of network cards:

Wireless cards are cards that provide an Internet connection when Wi-Fi assistance or Bluetooth devices.
External - usually used for external connection to laptops via USB port
Integrated - the most common cards that are built into computers and laptops by default.
Internal are network cards that can be additionally connected to computers in the corresponding slots on the motherboard.

How do network cards work?

We will not delve too deeply into the operating principle of network cards, since this information will be more understandable only to specialists. Let's explain it more simply. Let's say if you installed fiber optics at home and paid for the Internet, then your provider gives you access to the World Wide Web.

Transmitted via fiber optic cable digital information, which is then processed by the network card. There is nothing complicated about it. When you buy a computer or laptop, as a rule, these devices should already have a built-in network card on the motherboard. The driver for it comes along with the drivers for the motherboard. You only need to install the drivers from the disk, which must be given to you by the seller of your computer/laptop.

All this is so simple that most users simply do not realize that there is a network card on their computer. They connect the cable to network block PC or laptop, pay for the services of their provider and freely use the Internet.

As you might already guess, the computer’s network card is located in its system unit. You just need to open its side cover and pay attention to the lower left corner. You can see this in the screenshot:

How to find a network card on a computer?

If you want to buy a separate internal network card, then you can build it into the corresponding slot in the lower left area of the system unit.

The network card looks like this:

How to find a network card on a computer?

To find out what card you have, you don’t have to go into system unit. Relevant information can be found in a systematic way. To do this, it is not necessary to install third party programs, it is enough to use the means " Windows».

Go to " Control Panel» via menu « Start»

How can I find out which network card is installed on my computer?

Next, go to “ System»

How can I find out which network card is installed on my computer?

Then go to " device Manager»

How can I find out which network card is installed on my computer?

In the new window, find the item “ Network adapters" and click on it

How can I find out which network card is installed on my computer?

How much does a network card cost?

It's hard to say how much a network card will cost tomorrow, since prices digital devices can constantly change. Different network cards have different prices, let's present some list for today:

How much does a network card cost?

How to choose the right network cards for laptops and computers?

When buying a card, of course, you should pay attention to such parameters as media type, throughput, type of network card. It is important to know the classification. But, if you are not an expert, this information You can find out from the seller (buy digital equipment only in well-known official stores). The most important thing is to know in advance which network card from which company you should look for.

Let's list what you need to know when choosing a network card:

The most famous top manufacturers of network cards: “ D-Link», « Tp-link», « Gembird», « Acorp».
The network card must have connectors or a connector to be able to connect to a local network (be sure to ask the seller about this).
To connect to computers, the network card must have a connector " PCI"(especially if you have old computer), and for computers – the “ PCMCIA».
It is also important to consider what maximum speed Your network card will be able to provide Internet access. Standard cards support speeds of up to 100 Mb per second.

Video: How to change the network card?

The network card plays a big role in the functioning of a modern computer. The main task of the adapter is to provide communication with other devices. There is a wide variety of models on the market, so knowing how to choose a network card is essential.

How to choose a network card

Among the network adapters it is customary to distinguish:

Integrated (built-in) cards into the motherboard. This is a model included in the standard package of a computer or laptop;
Separate module. Accordingly, these are devices purchased separately in specialized stores.

Discrete (separate) cards have two significant advantages:

Quality of work;
Independence from the motherboard;
Technical excellence. For example, the presence of protection from thunderstorms.

The main characteristic of a network card is bandwidth. The larger it is, the higher the speed of the device.

Manufacturer company

The network card market boasts large quantity manufacturers, including such well-known computer brands as Intel, D-Link, ZyXEL.

It is important to consider that each organization focuses on its audience. Thus, Acorp and D-Link are famous for creating network cards for the people, but Intel and TP-Link, on the contrary, create more expensive models for powerful devices (for example, servers).

For the reasons described above, the most common adapters are Acorp and D-Link. Their advantages:

Low cost;
Acceptable quality of work;
Easy to maintain.

Price

The price of the adapter depends on the following characteristics:

Computer network access speed;
Support additional functions, like 802.1Q VLAN;
Availability of Wake-on-LAN. The function makes it possible to turn on the computer using a local network;
The presence of a program for diagnosing problems with the cable;
SNMP v1 support;
Possible service life of the device.

The cost of the card can vary from 10 to 100 dollars depending on the indicators described above.

Best choice

There are many quality cards on the market to talk about. But if we start from price-quality indicators, then best choice There will be two devices intended for the mass user:

The most rational solution for home use is an integrated module. There are several reasons for this:

The adapter and motherboard drivers will be located on the same disk. That is, in case of problems with the module, there will be no need to go to the Internet and search for the driver separately;

Saving money. On most modern computers An integrated network adapter comes as standard and is included in the price.

Main selection criteria

To choose the right network card, you need to answer a list of questions:

What connection method will be used? Separate adapters, as a rule, are purchased if you need to connect them to different PCs;
Where will the card be used? On home computer or on a server of some organization?
What is the budget for the acquisition? Let us remind you that the cost varies from 10 to 100 dollars.

AND main question: Is there any point in spending money? The desire or need to purchase a new network adapter may arise:

Breaking. The most common situation that forces a user to purchase a new device;
Dissatisfaction with the built-in card. As a rule, the owner comes to this decision when he begins to independently assemble a personal computer with powerful components.

To complete the article, here is a video in which you will learn how to configure a network card: