Wi-Fi network card: types, operating principle and connection. Network card on a computer

A network card driver is an important component of the operating system. It allows the computer to exchange data with other similar devices. The article we bring to your attention describes in detail the installation procedure for this software, as well as its configuration. All this will allow you to easily connect your computer to a computer network and start exchanging data with other similar devices and more.

What is it and why is it needed?

A driver for a network card is a special program that is part of the operating system. It controls the operation of this particular device. Without installing this software, the operating system will identify it as an “unknown device”. And the adapter itself will not fully function. Therefore, the installation of this software is very important and relevant. The problem is solved as follows:

• Determine the type of network card installed on the computer.
• Find the driver and install it.
• Setting the settings network connection.
• We carry out visual inspection and performance testing.

It is in connection with this algorithm that the installation of adapter drivers will be described in the future.

Types of network cards

According to the installation method, such adapters can be soldered to the motherboard (they are sometimes called integrated), internal (installed inside system unit) and external (connect to external connectors personal computer). In the first case, this is a microcircuit with connectors that are located on main board personal computer. It is in this design that such devices can most often be found today. The second version of the network adapter can be seen much less often in practice. This is a separate board that is installed in the PCI expansion slot of the motherboard. And in the latter case, such a component of a computer system resembles a flash drive that is connected to the USB universal serial bus port. The second classification of such devices is based on the method of data transmission. The first one is wired. That is, information is transmitted using twisted pair cables. The second one is wireless. In this case it is used electromagnetic radiation, and information is transmitted using the Wi-Fi standard.

Plug and Play

On the most popular and most common models, the driver for the network card is installed automatically when installing the operating system. This can be checked as follows:

• Place the mouse pointer over the “My Computer” shortcut (it can also be found in the “Start” menu). Click on it right click call up the menu.
• In the list that appears, select “Properties”.
• Next, in the left column, select “Device Manager”.
• In the window that opens, pay attention to two sections. The first one is network adapters. It must contain all devices of this class. Then expand the section “ Unknown devices"(if there is one) and move on to the next paragraph of this article. If this section is missing, then you can immediately begin setting up the adapter, since everything you need software for its full functioning is already installed.

Determining the installed network card

If the adapter came with a CD and it is available, then we proceed directly to the installation. First, we study the documentation for a personal computer. It must indicate the manufacturer and model of the adapter. If the documentation is irretrievably lost, you can use specialized software, for example, AIDA 64. Download this utility and install it. After starting, we look at the hardware configuration and find out which adapter is in computer system installed. The next step is to download the adapter driver from the manufacturer’s official website. All other sources cannot be used, since you can download the wrong software from them.

Installing drivers

Next, the driver, which was downloaded from the Internet or is on a CD, must be installed on the computer. To do this, let's launch it installation version. Then, following the instructions, install this software on your local computer. At the end of this operation, it is recommended to restart the PC.

Another solution

The previously described manipulations can be made much simpler. To do this, just download the DriverPackSolution program and run it. Then it will scan the list of equipment installed on the computer and update all software of that class. Plus such a decision obvious - minimal user participation in the process. But the disadvantage is that the DriverPackSolution utility takes up a lot of space and takes a long time to download. It contains a driver for each Realtek network card model. The situation is exactly the same with equipment from other manufacturers. As a result, its size today is more than 7 GB.

Setting up a network connection

At the next stage, after the Realtek network card driver has been installed, you need to configure the connection parameters. All required values must be specified in the contract you entered into with the provider. Next, go to “Start”, then select “Control Panel” and find “Network Center”. Then in the right column, click on the line “Change adapter settings”. A window will open containing all the network cards of this personal computer. Open the properties of the custom adapter double click mouse according to its icon. In the window that opens, we gradually expand the configurations for each of the parameters using the same action. Then enter the values ​​and save them. Usually it is enough to configure only 2 parameters: “Internet Protocol version 6” and “Internet Protocol version 4”. This is where they ask network addresses PC and DNS. This information, as noted earlier, must be provided by the provider. By default, the system is configured to automatically accept these parameters.

Visual functional check

Any network adapter equipped with light indicators. After correct installation software and network connection settings, one of them should definitely work. As a rule, this is a green LED that blinks periodically. It is usually located next to the twisted pair connection (for internal and integrated adapters) or on top of the flash drive (for external devices). If this is all true, then we proceed to the next stage.

Due diligence

The last step is to perform a comprehensive connection check. To do this you need to find out the IP address network router or another computer on the local network. This information can be obtained from system administrator. Home routers have the address “192.168.1.1”. Using his example, we will consider a comprehensive check of connection to a local area network. Press the key combination “Win” (it shows the Windows logo) and “R”. The Run window will open. In its field, enter the command “CMD” and press “Enter”. A command prompt window will open. You need to type in it next command: "ping 192.168.1.1". As it is not difficult to understand, the last 4 digits are the address of the computer on the network. In response, connection testing will begin. Based on its results, a message will be displayed with the number of packets sent and received in response. If the quantity is equal, then everything is fine. Otherwise, check the network connection settings. Then, if our PC is connected to the Internet, we can launch a browser, enter the address of any portal into it (for example, rambler.ru) and press “Enter”. After this it should open.

Finally

A driver for a network card is that part of the operating system, without which it is difficult to imagine its full functioning today. Within the framework of this article, the process of installing, configuring and testing it was described in detail and step by step. There is nothing complicated in this operation, so feel free to take it and do it.

Let's touch on a topic like the network card of our computer. Let's start with the fact that network cards are different and may differ both in the range of tasks they solve and in the form factor (appearance). The network card is also often called (Ethernet controller, network or NIC (Network Interface Card) adapter).

First of all, let's divide network cards into two large groups:

• External network cards
• Built-in or integrated (onboard)

Let's start with the external ones. From the name itself it follows that network cards of this type installed in the computer additionally (with a separate expansion card) or as another external device.

First, let's talk about PCI network maps The abbreviation stands for (Peripheral Component Interconnect) - the interconnection of peripheral components or - an input-output bus for connecting peripheral devices to. These cards are called that because they are installed in one of the PCI slots (connectors). Here they are, in fact:

On my own PCI interface has a peak throughput for the 32-bit version operating at a frequency of 33.33 MHz at 133 MB/s, the connector voltage consumption is 3.3 or 5V. Serves for installing additional expansion cards into the computer (old video cards, modems, network adapters, TV tuners, various video capture and video conversion cards, etc.).

So, what network cards are installed there? And here are the most common dollars for five or six:

There are adapters of another type - Wi-Fi (for organizing wireless networks).

As you can see, the connection interface is the same (PCI), but the operating principle is different.

Now, due to the gradual "dying away" of this interface PCi Express 1X form factor network cards are being produced.

This applies to external network cards. There are also built-in (integrated into the motherboard) cards. You can determine the presence of a built-in network by looking at the back wall of the system unit.

Here we can visually observe the output of the integrated network card. One or more information LEDs are installed next to the twisted pair connector, which can be used to indicate the presence of a connection and the general activity of the network.

By the way, using these LEDs you can indirectly get an idea of ​​the performance of the device. Let me explain my point: when the computer is turned on and the network cable ( twisted pair) is connected to the card, the LED on it blinks, as they say, in time with the reception (transmission) of information data packets by the adapter to the network.

If the network adapter is not working, the behavior of the indicators may be as follows:

1. None of the LEDs light up at all
2. The LED is constantly "on" (not blinking)
3. The indicator blinks, but absolutely monotonously. The period and amplitude of this “blinking” are the same throughout the entire time

So, take note of such moments. Everything is in the details! :)

From the markings we see that this is an RTL chip (from Realtek) with number 8211BL.

Notes e: built-in solutions, unfortunately, are not reliable. In our organization, for example, failures of integrated network cards happen regularly. I can’t say that often, but consistently. By the way, my work computer (bought half a year ago) literally burned out the network card the other day, which once again strengthened my opinion about the unreliability of the integrated components. I had to install an external one.

I want you to take a close look at the following photo:

Here we look inside the network card connector. Do you notice the difference? One connector (on the right in the photo) has four contact pads, and the other (on the left) has eight. Moreover, both cards are designed for network transmission speeds of 100 megabits per second.

What's the catch here? And he, in any case, is present here :) Let's remember what the twisted pair cable itself looks like, with the help of which we laid networks in one of our free lessons.

It is correctly called UTP cable (Unshielded Twisted Pair - unshielded twisted pair). The fact that it is twisted (twisted) we can clearly see from the photo above. Its individual conductors are twisted around each other to improve the noise immunity of the entire cable as a whole.

The designation "unshielded" implies that there is no additional protective screen(braid) made of foil or metal. Again - for better cable protection. And “pair” because the conductors in the cable are twisted in pairs and according to color (white-orange - orange, white-green - green, white-brown - brown, white-blue - blue).

Now - the most important: to ensure data transmission over a network at a speed of 100 megabits per second, you do not need to use all four pairs (eight conductor cores), two pairs (four cores) are enough! Moreover, strictly defined numbers are used: first, second, third And sixth postings

Directly from the RJ-45 connector it looks like this:

According to the above, to ensure a speed of 100 megabits, we use “veins” numbered 1, 2, 3 and 6. Look at the figure above. These are two pairs: orange and green.

Note: Naturally, it is up to us to decide which cores to use when terminating the cable. The main thing to remember is that these should be the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th conductor (for networks with a transmission speed of 100 megabits/s).

Now look again at the photo, which shows a close-up of the computer’s network card connectors. There are only four in the right image contact pads: first, second, third, the next two are skipped and then... which one? That's right - sixth! :)

When are all eight sites used? In networks with transmission speeds of one Gibabit per second (and higher). That's where all the guides are network cable used to the fullest :)

So, for some reason you and I (or rather, I alone :)) “veered” away from the main topic. What other network cards are there? Let's look at an external adapter for a laptop based on the PCMCIA standard. This - external board extension, which is inserted into the corresponding slot.

PCMCIA stands for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association computer cards memory). Initially, the standard was developed for memory expansion cards. After some time, the specification was expanded and became possible use"PCMCIA" for connecting various peripheral devices. As a rule, network cards, modems or hard drives are connected through it.

Imagine an unpleasant picture: your laptop (to the left three times) the card built into it has failed. What to do? The solution is in the photo below:

There are, however, other solutions that are suitable not only for mobile computers, but also for stationary ones. This - USB network cards.

They can be made in different ways, but the principle of their operation does not change. Here, for example, are two such devices in the photo below:

Or even like this, more like a flash drive :)

I was about to end the article here, but... changed my mind! :) I also wanted to tell you about a type of external network cards called server network cards, which are used in high-performance systems and have more advanced (compared to conventional adapters) networking capabilities.

As a rule, they have a standard connection interface - PCI (or its extended version - PCI-X). Here, for example, is a server network card " D-Link DFE-580TX».

As you can see, these are essentially four network adapters combined into one physical device. Each of the four network ports (cards) has its own MAC address (a unique 12-digit physical identifier of any card or other network device). At the same time, the entire group of ports can be assigned one logical identifier (IP address). For the operating system, a group of such cards looks like one virtual card.

Note: MAC (Media Access Control) address is also often called a physical or hardware address (Hardware Address). For example: the MAC address of my network adapter at work is 00-1B-11-B3-C8-82. There cannot be two identical hardware addresses on a network. You can find it out by entering on the command line: ipconfig /all or such a wonderful team using the utility of the same name, like getmac. Getmac will show you everything in a very convenient and clear form MAC addresses all network devices installed on the computer.

Let's continue. Combining several cards into one becomes possible using the “Port Aggregation” technology (aggregation or port consolidation). Port aggregation means combining several network segments into one with greater performance. When several network ports form one virtual one, its throughput (theoretically) is equal to the performance of an individual port, multiplied by their number.

Server network cards can operate in two main modes. Let's take a closer look at them. Using the software that comes with cards of this class, you can configure each port as “active” (load balancing mode) or reserve any ports to ensure fault tolerance (recovery mode).

The network load sharing (distribution) mode evenly passes network traffic(data flow) through active segments, reducing the overall load on the adapter, and recovery mode (in the event of a physical connection failure) ensures uninterrupted communication between the network card and the network.

What else is good about a server network card on a computer? Depending on its “sophistication” :) it can implement computational functions (counting and generating checksums data frames transmitted over the network) in hardware, without additional load.

On such adapters specialized LSIs are installed (Large Integrated Circuits), which take on a significant part of the work (collision detection, assembly and disassembly of data packets, checking frame checksums and retransmitting damaged packets). Thus, as we have already said, a significant part of the load is removed from the processor, which already has something to do in a server system :)

Moreover, expensive server network cards have their own processor installed. Such maps show very good performance at work, because they can effectively cope even with heavy workloads. Availability own processor allows you to install up to one megabyte on them. And this already transfers these products from the category of just network cards to the category of communication network processors.

It should also be noted that useful function, as self-healing drivers for such devices. What it is? For example, after a network failure, the adapter can independently decide to restart the network card driver and enable integrity checking network connection or even forcefully disable the failed port.

LAN card computer (Ethernet adapter, Network adapter) is needed in order to receive an Internet signal. It can be built into the motherboard or removable. Knowing the brand of the network card is necessary to replace it or install drivers. We will tell you where to find your computer's network card in this article.

The easiest way to find out the Internet adapter and not harm your computer is through Device Manager. You can enter it different ways. Let's look at the fastest one first. So, double-click on the “Computer” icon on the desktop or go through the “Start” menu to the same section. A window opened with hard drives. We are not interested in them now. We look up the screen to the blue stripe. We see buttons, including “System Properties”, click it. A system information window appears, by examining which you will learn about the main characteristics of your computer. Now click on the “Device Manager” button located in the left top corner. The treasured window has opened where you can see all the computer parts.

The second way to enter the dispatcher is through the control panel. Click “Start” and click on the “Control Panel” button. A new window pops up, where we click “Hardware and Sound”.

In the first tab – Devices and Printers – find the “Device Manager” button and click. The long-awaited window has opened. Among the list of names, look for “Network adapters”, click on this line. A list of installed tools for connecting to the Internet opens. These include not only network card, but also built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. Often, network card manufacturers "Realtek" And "Atheros". In any case, look for a device where there is text “PCIe Controller”.

You can find out all the information about the Ethernet adapter using a special command. To do this, hold down the buttons Win+R, then enter "cmd" and press OK. In the window that appears, write the command “ipconfig/all” and click Enter. All data about network devices is displayed on the screen. Look for the item Ethernet adapter. The “Description” line will contain the full name of the network card. When working with command line be careful. Entering another command can have a serious impact on the health of the computer.

If the computer refuses to cooperate with you and does not show the network card, you will have to remove it and inspect it. This method is only relevant for desktop computers. On the board you will find a sticker with the name, enter it into the search engine. In order for the computer to “see” the device and connect to the Internet, install the drivers. Go to a friend and download software for your network card model. Use only official websites of manufacturers.

In the world of technological progress and global computerization, rapidly developing technologies have touched every 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 more various devices with network access. 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 connect to a network.

A network card, or network adapter, is a component of a 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 an additional 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.

The Wi-Fi network card causes the computer to receive a signal from wireless network. It can connect to PCI connector motherboard or USB port of a computer, less often to Ethernet (this type of connection is mainly applicable to older devices). A Wi-Fi 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, there is no need to use overly powerful network cards for home use, 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 operates on a specific 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 chip and special software that controls the operation of the module. For correct process 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 the port Computer USB 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 transmission. 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 physically connect the adapter to the desired connector on your computer or laptop. Windows will detect the new hardware. 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 properties of the wireless network connection, find the TCP/IP Internet protocol. Here you need to enter network parameter settings; you need to find them out by contacting your provider’s technical support and fill them in in the fields. Settings can also be assigned automatically. When you have selected the necessary parameters and access points, all that remains is to assign a Mac address to the card. This task is performed by the network administrator; to do this, call technical support and notify about the adapter change and the need to change the Mac address.

When choosing a network device, pay attention not only to functionality, because you will not use all the capabilities 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 between the devices.

A device such as a network card allows a laptop or computer to work on the Internet and local network via WiFi, connected via USB or via special cable. The adapter provides a unique address called a MAC that identifies the computer device transmitting packets of information over the network. If you cannot connect with a cable, you can purchase a wireless wifi adapter for your computer equipment.

What is a network card

An element of the hardware configuration of a laptop or computer is called a Network interface controller, which provides the ability to connect to a network, ensuring interaction between devices. Network cards are LAN adapters, NICs, Ethernet adapters or interface cards. Now the Network interface controller is part of the computer package, but previously it was produced separately.

Types of network cards

The Ethernet adapter is designed to connect computer devices V local network. The Network interface controller, which provides an Internet connection, has the main characteristic of data transfer speed. The NIC uses high-speed interfaces to interface with a computer device. There are 4 design types of computer boards. They all have basic pros and cons.

Types into which microcircuits are divided according to their physical implementation:

• integrated - as the name suggests, built into the motherboard;
• wireless – for bluetooth and WiFi networks;
• internal (separate boards) – connected via PCI, inserted into a PCI-E or ISA slot;
• External network cards for laptops are inexpensive and connect via USB.

Why do you need a network card in a computer?

The main purpose of a network card is to connect computer devices with each other. The Ethernet adapter provides connection to the Internet. If there is no built-in Network interface controller, then USB modems are used, but then the ability to work over the network is reduced. By combining computers, laptops, peripheral devices (scanners, printers, etc.) in one local network, you can exchange data via WiFi within the boundaries of an apartment, house or provider network.

Principle of operation

Some of the functionality of the Network interface controller can be transferred to CPU or driver. Information is transmitted over the network, which is grouped into data packets. They move from one device to another. There is software and Hardware involved in data transfer. NIC refers to hardware. He is responsible for establishing physical connection between devices. An 8-pin RJ-45 or 15-pin AUI connector is used.

Where is the network card located in the computer?

The network card in the computer is located in the system unit. You can find it by slightly opening the side cover of the system unit. Modern computers do with an Ethernet interface. The built-in NIC is soldered to motherboard. If it is not built-in, then it is inserted into one of the free white slots. Operation and data transfer are carried out using an optical fiber cable connected to the adapter connector.

What does a network card look like?

You can see what a network card looks like in online stores that have photos of devices. Externally, the device looks like a flash drive, and internally it looks like a small chip or board located near the connection connector computer network. It is curved on one side. If you don't open sidebar system unit, the location of the Network interface controller looks like a socket for connecting a cable.

How to find out your computer's network card

IN operating system Windows has no problem identifying the NIC, which is necessary in case of a malfunction or replacement. Programmers call such adapters consumables, because they tend to break. Network card for PC – an important part system configuration, so you can use it to detect it special programs such as "Everest" and "AIDA64". You can determine the model name yourself by following the path:

1. Start.
2. Control Panel.
3. System and safety.
4. System.
5. Device Manager.
6. Network adapters.

How to check if a network card is working properly

A broken network card for a computer or a faulty Wi-Fi card will not allow you to access the Internet or local network. Serviceability problems may be hidden in system settings(if you have a built-in LAN adapter) or in the density of the cable connection (if external). You can try updating the drivers or testing. The check is carried out in the following way:

1. Computer properties.
2. Device Manager.
3. If there are no exclamation marks next to the name of your adapter, then the equipment is detected normally. Contact your provider.

How to install a network card on a computer

Before you decide to purchase a LAN adapter, you need to make sure that the motherboard does not have its equivalent. The NIC can simply be disabled. To enable it, you need to activate it in basic system input/output (BIOS). If it really doesn’t exist, then buy a NIC at a computer store, and then install and connect the network card:

1. Remove the side cover of the system unit.
2. By selecting free place on the motherboard, remove the plug on the back of the unit.
3. Install the NIC, secure with the mounting screw.
4. Connect the cable to the LAN adapter socket.
5. Turn on your computer. will flash light diodes, notifying about the exchange of information with the network.
6. Set up the connection: install the driver for the network card, register the server DNS (dns).

Price

The adapter will cost up to $5. The set of functions can be selected as desired (adapter with higher speed data transfer, 2 SFP ports). You can order a set of adapters through the catalog in specialized computer hardware stores or buy them in an online store (from 299 rubles). In the table below you will find the price of a network card in Moscow.