Buyer’s Guide Network Cards & Adapters
If you’re planning on connecting a computer to the Internet, you will need a network card or adapter. This guide will cover all the considerations to go over. It’s important that you follow this to help you through the buying process.
Indeed, it is a challenge to choose a network card/adapter since there are many choices on the market. Over time, you will eliminate many of them for whatever reason. Once you’ve whittled down your list, it will come down to which one will fulfill your needs and preferences.
Features to look for
It’s important to know what the features for a network card or adapter are before choosing one. Let’s show you a quick list of what they are:
NIC Port
This will be useful for plugging in cables (specifically Ethernet) to Internet modems. This will also be useful if you need to plug in any additional devices.
LED Indicators
This will determine whether the network card is working or unable to function. Some cards will have more LED indicators than others.
Controller
This is the CPU of a network card. It is designed to help control the performance of the card itself (hence the name). This is a core part of all cards and adapters.
Bus interface
This will be found on the side of the card/adapter’s circuit board. This will help form a connection between the NIC ports and the computers or servers being connected to them.
Now that you know some of the features to look for, let’s take a look now at the following factors you need to consider. Here’s what they are:
Wired or wireless
To begin, we’ll take a look at whether you need a network card/adapter that is wired or wireless. They are two separate types of network cards (out of the three that are available). The wired cards are used for Ethernet connections.
This means you plan on connecting your computer to the Internet using a wired connection. Depending on the network, Ethernet speeds can range from 10 to 1000 megabytes per second. If you are serious about having a speedy network, then you may want to consider a wired option.
Wireless options are what they are - no wired included. They will need a WiFi connection in order to work properly. The speeds will vary on what plan you’re using via your ISP.
If you are looking for something that will do an excellent job transmitting data, then a wireless network card/adapter will help you out immensely.
There are network cards/adapters that you can plug into an available USB port. This is often used as a solution for when you’re dealing with wireless connections that are sluggish. So you may want to put it to good use if you are having issues with your current wireless network card/adapter
Speed
As mentioned before, speed can play a factor in your final decision. Of course, the faster the speed, the better. But keep in mind that faster speeds will yield a higher price tag.
The speed of a network card/adapter will be helpful in terms of processing data. It will also help in terms of web-based applications that you are using. You’ll be able to load, refresh, and transmit data as fast as possible.
When you are working remote or a personal project online, you want speed to be an asset. The last thing you want to do is cancel or postpone a project due to a slow Internet connection.
Compatibility
Almost every network card/adapter is compatible with the Windows operating system. That’s good news for many of its users. However, you may be using a computer that’s powered by Mac or Linux.
Not to worry, there are network cards/adapters that will apply to these operating systems. If you have an operating system other than Windows, there will still be a handful of cards to choose from. At least you won’t be saddled with an overwhelming number of options.
Budget
We understand that money may be an issue for you. However, it’s important to find a network card/adapter that fits your most critical needs. From there, you can be able to choose the best affordable option based on your budget.
It may be tempting to save money just by going with the cheapest option available. However, you’ll be saddled with a performance that won’t meet your expectations. It might be slow and it won’t get any of the tasks done.
If there is one thing you shouldn’t sacrifice, it’s speed. At this point, finding the fastest network card/adapter you can afford should be your top priority. Another would be the number of ports that are available.
We will discuss that as a separate consideration. But it’s important to find the best option for yourself based on affordability. If you have enough money to throw around, finding a top of the line network card might be the priority option.
Intent and Purpose
A network card may be useful for any intent or purpose you may have in mind. For instance, you may be working remotely and need something that’s fast enough. You may be using web-based apps like Zoom, Google Workstation, or similar apps.
You might also be using demanding apps or even play multiplayer games. Whatever your intent or purpose is, there’s always a network card/adapter that will be the perfect fit for you. Remember, speed will be a centerpiece of what you’re looking for in a network card/adapter.
If you are using apps that will be demanding in terms of performance, a faster network card/adapter will do just fine. An entry level network card/adapter won’t be as reliable if you are playing most of the latest game titles.
Number of ports
Network cards will usually have one or two connectivity ports. This may come down to what your most critical needs are. You can get away with a single port if you believe it’s the best option.
Otherwise, if you need to connect two different devices, then it’s obvious two ports will be needed. Are you planning on connecting another device that will need an Internet connection?
If the answer is no, you may need just a single port. Having more than one could be overkill. Your single port network card/adapters may also be the more cost-effective option compared to those with double ports.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for the best speed and connectivity possible, find a network card/adapter that works for you. It’s important to find one that will be the best fit for your computer. Whatever your intent or purpose is, you’ll want to find something that will satisfy your most critical needs.
From there, it’s all about considering the factors we’ve listed above. Can you find one that is fast enough at an affordable price? It’s possible.
We hope that this guide has been helpful. Good luck in your search in finding the best network card/adapter.
