Wireless Adapters

Installing any network adapter hardware involves two basic steps:
1. Connecting the adapter hardware to the computer
2. Installing any required software associated with the adapter

For PCI adapters, first power down the computer and unplug its power cord before proceeding with installation. A PCI adapter is a card that fits into a long, narrow slot inside the computer. The computer’s case must be opened and the card firmly inserted into this slot.Other types of network adapter devices can be attached while a computer is running normally. Modern computer operating systems automatically detect newly connected hardware and complete the basic software installation required.

Some network adapters, however, additionally require custom software installation. Such an adapter will often be accompanied by a CD-ROM containing the installation media. Alternatively, the necessary software can be downloaded for free from the manufacturer’s Web site.

Software installed with a network adapter includes a device driver that allows the operating system to communicate with the hardware. In addition, a software management utility may also be supplied that provides a user interface for advanced configuration and troubleshooting of the hardware. These utilities are most commonly associated with Wi-Fi wireless network adapters.

Network adapters can normally be disabled through their software. Disabling an adapter provides a convenient alternative to installing and uninstalling it. Wireless network adapters are best disabled when not in use, for security reasons.

Virtual Network Adapters
Certain types of network adapters have no hardware component but rather consist of software only. These are often called virtual adapters in contrast to a physical adapter. Virtual adapters are commonly found in virtual private networks (VPNs). A virtual adapter may also be used with research computers or IT business servers that run virtual machine technology.

Summary
The network adapter is an essential component in both wired and wireless computer networking. Adapters interface a computing device (including computers, print servers, and game consoles) to the communication network. Most network adapters are small pieces of physical hardware, although software-only virtual adapters also exist. Sometimes a network adapter must be purchased separately, but increasingly the adapter is included with a computing device, especially with newer devices. Installing a network adapter is not difficult and often is a simple “plug and play” feature of the computer operating system.