An external network adapter is a device used to connect a computer to a network, usually a local area network (LAN) or Internet connection. These devices typically connect to a computer via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port and can allow a wired or wireless connection. This is in contrast to an internal network adapter that plugs directly into the computer’s motherboard and typically must be installed inside the computer by opening the computer case. An external network adapter can be connected to a computer more quickly and is usually quite portable.
An external network adapter.
Most computers connect to the Internet or to a network through some type of network adapter. This adapter allows the computer to connect using a cable, usually a data transmission cable, such as an Ethernet cable, or wirelessly. Many computers have an internal adapter built into the computer’s motherboard or as a separate card installed inside the computer and connected directly to the motherboard. However, for computers that do not have this type of adapter, an external network adapter is often the perfect solution for the computer user’s networking needs.
In a wired network, the adapter typically connects to the router or hub via an Ethernet cable.
An external network adapter usually connects to a computer through a USB port on the computer and is usually quite small. The size generally depends on the type of adapter used and whether the adapter is designed for a wired or wireless network. For a wired network, the network adapter will usually simply have a female port for a connection, such as an Ethernet cable that runs between the adapter and the network router or hub. This allows the computer to connect directly to the network and usually only takes a few minutes to set up.
Wireless networks can also connect to an external network adapter, and these devices are usually slightly larger than wired adapters. This type of adapter may look like a card and usually also plugs into a USB port on your computer. It may also have a small antenna to improve card performance and receive a stronger signal from a wireless router or hub. However, setting up an external network adapter for a wireless network may require a little more effort, and a user may also need to know the name and password of a wireless network they are trying to connect to.
