There are a few different ways to get WiFi on your computer. An onboard WiFi card, a WiFi USB adapter, or a WiFi hotspot can all be used to connect to WiFi. Each of these options has its own benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll take a look at each of these options and help you decide which is the best for you.
What is Onboard WiFi?
Onboard WiFi is a part that is built into some laptops and computers. It allows you to connect to a wireless network without the need for an external adapter. Onboard WiFi is convenient because it doesn’t require any extra hardware; however, it is typically slower than other options and has a shorter range.
What is a WiFi USB Adapter?
A WiFi USB adapter is a small device that plugs into your computer’s USB port. It allows you to connect to a wireless network and can be faster and have a longer range than onboard WiFi. One downside of a WiFi USB adapter is that it can be easy to lose since it is not permanently attached to your computer.
What is a WiFi Hotspot?
A WiFi hotspot is a wireless network that you can connect to any phone or laptop. Hotspots are typically found in public places like coffee shops, libraries, and airports. Many cell phone providers offer hotspot plans that allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. This can be a convenient option, but it can also be expensive.
Onboard WiFi vs WiFi Card vs WiFi USB - 10 differences :
1. Compatibility
- Onboard WiFi is built into some laptops and computers.
- A WiFi card is a small device that plugs into your computer’s PCI Express slot.
- A WiFi USB adapter is a small device that plugs into your computer’s USB port.
2. Speed
- Onboard WiFi is typically slower than other options.
- A WiFi card can be faster than onboard WiFi.
- A WiFi USB adapter can be faster and have a longer range than onboard WiFi.
3. Range
- Onboard WiFi has a shorter range.
- A WiFi card can have a longer range than onboard WiFi.
- A WiFi USB adapter can have a longer range than onboard WiFi.
4. Cost
- Onboard WiFi is free since it is built into your computer.
- A WiFi card can cost around $30.
- A WiFi USB adapter can cost around $50.
- A hotspot device can cost $100 or more per month with some cell phone providers.
5. Portability
- Onboard WiFi is not portable since it is built into your computer.
- A WiFi card is not portable since it plugs into your computer’s PCI Express slot.
- A WiFi USB adapter is portable since it plugs into your computer’s USB port.
- A hotspot device is portable since it can be carried with you.
6. Setup
- Onboard WiFi typically does not require any setup.
- A WiFi card may require you to install drivers or software.
- A WiFi USB adapter may require you to install drivers or software.
- A hotspot device may require you to create an account and log in.
7. Usage
- Onboard WiFi can be used to connect your computer to a wireless network.
- A WiFi card can be used to connect your computer to a wireless network.
- A WiFi USB adapter can be used to connect your laptop or desktop computer to a wireless network.
- A hotspot device can be used to create a wireless network that you can connect to with your laptop or mobile device.
8. Working Principle
- Onboard WiFi uses your computer’s built-in wireless adapter to connect to a wireless network.
- A WiFi card uses a wireless adapter to connect to a wireless network.
- A WiFi USB adapter uses a wireless adapter to connect to a wireless network.
- A hotspot device uses a cellular data connection to create a wireless network.
9. Security
- Onboard WiFi typically uses WEP or WPA security.
- A WiFi card typically uses WEP or WPA security.
- A WiFi USB adapter typically uses WEP or WPA security.
- A hotspot device typically uses WEP or WPA security.
Pros
- Onboard WiFi is convenient because it doesn’t require any extra hardware; however, it is typically slower than other options and has a shorter range.
- A WiFi card can be faster than onboard WiFi and have a longer range. However, it may require you to install drivers or software, and it is not portable.
- A WiFi USB adapter can be faster and have a longer range than onboard WiFi. It is also portable; however, it may require you to install drivers or software.
- A hotspot device can be expensive, but it is convenient and portable.
Cons
- Onboard WiFi is typically slower than other options and has a shorter range.
- A WiFi card may require you to install drivers or software, and it is not portable.
Conclusion
Although onboard WiFi is the best option for most people, there are some cases where a USB or WiFi card might be a better choice. Let us know in the comments which option you think is best for you and why. And don’t forget to check out our other blog posts for more helpful tips on staying connected while on the go. Thanks for reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a WiFi card necessary?
No, a WiFi card is not necessary if you have onboard WiFi or a WiFi USB adapter. However, a WiFi card can be faster than onboard WiFi and have a longer range. Additionally, it may allow you to connect to a 5GHz network, which can be beneficial if you live in an area with a lot of wireless interference.
Can you use USB WiFi instead of WiFi card?
Yes, a WiFi USB adapter can be used in place of a WiFi card. A WiFi USB adapter can be faster and have longer range than onboard WiFi. It is also portable; however, it may require you to install drivers or software.
Is onboard WiFi better than a WiFi card?
The answer to this question depends on your needs. Onboard WiFi is convenient because it doesn’t require any extra hardware; however, it is typically slower than other options and has a shorter range. A WiFi card can be faster than onboard WiFi and have longer range. However, it may require you to install drivers or software, and it is not portable.
What is the difference between a WiFi card and a WiFi adapter?
A WiFi card is a piece of hardware that plugs into your computer’s PCI Express slot and allows your computer to connect to a wireless network. A WiFi adapter is a device that connects to a wireless network. It can be either internal or external to your computer.
