How Does a Wireless Notebook Card Work?

Basics

A wireless notebook card is an electronic device that plugs into your computer, either internally connected directly to your motherboard, or externally, using a USB port, that allows your notebook to connect to the Internet without having to be tied down to Ethernet cables or phone lines. Once connected to your computer, a wireless notebook card will pick up signals from any wireless network transmitting within range.

Operations

A wireless notebook card actually operates in a very simple manner. A modem connects to the Internet via a series of coaxial cables going into a house or business, and sends and receives data information. This information is then passed on through another Ethernet cable to a wireless router. The router then converts the information received from the modem into a signal that can be transmitted over-the-air. Anything within the range of the router (in this case, your notebook computer) can pick up that signal via its wireless card. The card then converts that signal back into data information, which can then be utilized by your notebook.

Range

For a wireless notebook card to work, it has to be within range of a wireless network signal. This is completely dependent on the strength of the router. A standard router that can be purchased for consumer use has a range of about 100 feet. This means that as long as you are within 100 feet of the router, you will still be able to connect to the Internet. Due to the nature of the signal, the signal is stronger the closer you are to the router, so obviously if you could be 10 feet away from the router, you'd have a stronger connection than if you always stayed 100 feet away.