Network Cards

A network card is designed to connect a laptop, PC, workstation or server to a network, enabling communication with other internal users via network switches or access points; and the outside world via a router.

These cards are designed for an internal PCIe slot of a system, feature RJ45 ports and will provide wired connectivity based on Ethernet at speeds up to 10Gb/s.

A network card is designed to connect a laptop, PC, workstation or server to a network, enabling communication with other internal users via network switches or access points; and the outside world via a router.

These external devices are designed for an external USB port of a system, feature RJ45 ports and will provide wired connectivity based on Ethernet at speeds up to 1Gb/s.

A broadband connection into the home is now almost a given’s more devices such as smart phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, smart TVs, heating, lighting and security devices are increasing able to take advantage of an Internet connection for online gaming, remote operation or monitoring. A broadband router with increasingly powerful wireless capabilities is key to home and smart home connectivity.

These devices are for converting PCs or workstations to wireless connectivity via a USB port, as this is rarely standard on desktop computers where wired Ethernet network connectivity is the norm. The wireless speed of any adapter will vary depending on the wireless standard it is based on - either 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7), 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6 / Wi-Fi 6E), 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4). Updated

Wireless access points (WAPs) are standalone devices designed to be connected to a wired router or plug socket in the case of HomePlug WAPs, to provide wireless access for portable devices such as laptops and smart phones. In the home access points are usually built in a broadband router, however in business separate access points are common as they offer flexibility of placement (often featuring PoE technology) and better coverage when multiple units are deployed.

These access points’ range and speeds will vary depending on the wireless standard they are based on - either 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7), 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6 / Wi-Fi 6E), 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4).

Wireless access points (WAPs) are standalone devices designed to be connected to a wired router or plug socket in the case of HomePlug WAPs, to provide wireless access for portable devices such as laptops and smart phones. In the home access points are usually built in a broadband router, however in business separate access points are common as they offer flexibility of placement (often featuring PoE technology) and better coverage when multiple units are deployed.

Wireless access points usually feature detachable antennas so alternative more specialist ones can be fitted. These are either for covering wider areas, or transferring a wireless signal over greater distances.

Ethernet network cables featuring RJ45 connectors are compatible with all common network enabled devices such as as PCs, workstations, servers, network switches and routers to create networks. Originating in 1980, since then Ethernet has evolved into various revisions, adding support for progressively higher transfer rates.

CAT-6A cables can support up to 10GB/s throughput at 500MHz over a maximum distance of 100m.