More info on Wireless Internet cards...?

Question

I live out in the country where internet is hard to come by, DSL and cable are not available. I am interested in getting a wireless internet card (PCMCIA) for my laptop, but I am unfamiliar with how they work. Do you need to have an active internet set up for these to work, or does it just extended the range of your DSL or cable?

What exactly does a wireless card do?

Answer 1

Well, there are different types of cards for different purposes. The most common is a Wifi card. Those connect you to local sources of internet. You will need a broadband connection and a wireless router to use one at home.

There are 3G or Aircard cards that actually use the cellular systems to connect to the internet. These are not the same as a wifi card (some can be used with either service however) These cards allow you to connect where ever there is a cellular system of your carrier. AT&T, Verizon, Sprint etc all have these. (They are generally slower than other sources but sure beat dialup.)

There even are some satellite cards/systems that require a dish but allow you to use your laptop basically anywhere in the world - bring a large checkbook to use one!

You may want to check your local area for "wireless internet providers"  many areas where DSL and cable are not available are covered by wifi systems that use outdoor mounted antennas which connect wirelessly to the system and then work like DSL within your home.  (I know, I run one!)

They usually are somewhat less expensive than cellular but more so than DSL or Cable.  If one is available to you its a good option.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

a wireless card acts as a receiver/transmitter for either your own broadband network or any available wifi hotspot. For your own service, it would be set up through your wireless phone provider.http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/510...

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Answer 3

Wireless internet cards are for people who have cable or DSL at their homes and broadcast it throughout their home through the use of a wireless transmitter. PCMCIA cards can take advantage of these wireless signals sent throughout the home to provide internet where cable/DSL cords cannot reach.

I'm thinking you thought it was something like satellite TV, but yeah, you're pretty much out of luck since you can't get cable or DSL in your area. The only way I could see this being solved is satellite internet, but I think it's pretty expensive.

A good idea would be to ask some neighbours who may have some idea of how to get a hold of fast internet in your area.

Hope I helped,

Tom.