In the context of how they physically interface with a computer what are the three basic types of wireless adapter?

Answer 1

PCI, PC Card, USB 100% sure.

1. PCIPC Card
2. PCI cards may be the most common of the three basic types of wireless adapters. PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect, which denotes an industrywide criterion for how certain hardware devices communicate with computers through a channel called a bus. PCI cards are also known as network interface cards. They are primarily used in desktop computer systems and fit into a slot on the computer's motherboard. USB
3. The PC Card is one of the basic types of wireless adapters; it about the size of a credit card and is used to connect laptop computers to a computer network. These cards were formerly called PCMCIA, which is an acronym for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. This entity is actually a nonprofit trade association that determines the industry's technical criteria for PC Cards, as well as educating the market on the technology. Most new notebook computers have a slot on the side where the devices are inserted. Generally, the PC Card has internal Wi-Fi antennas that enable the transmission and reception of signals. Other Wireless Adapters
4. Universal serial bus ports are standard connections that are available on nearly every computer. They are used to connect a wide variety of devices to computers, including mice, joy sticks, keyboards and wireless network adapters. USB wireless adapters are typically external to the computer. The wireless adapter connects directly into the USB port, which is usually located on the rear of most of today's computers. Considerations
5. Besides the three basic types of wireless adapters mentioned above, there are other wireless adapters available on the market. The Mini PCI is a wireless network card that is integrated into notebook computers.
   
   For personal digital assistants, there is a device called Wireless CompactFlash, which functions much like PC Cards. WCFs can be inserted into slots that are generally located on the rear or side of computers.
   
   If Wi-Fi hotspots are not available, there is the Wireless Wide Area Network. Some computers have integrated WWAN technology; the user will have to purchase a WWAN PC Card to access the network.
6. Consider the following when purchasing any form of wireless adapters:
   • Make sure the wireless adapter is compatible with your operating system.
   • Identify the networking standard the adapter uses so it will be able to talk to other wireless devices.
   • Understand the transfer rate as well and the adapter's range.
   • Be aware of security; the wireless adapter should be Wi-Fi-certified.

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