Learn About Desktop Network Cards

What is it?

It is the part that connects computers together to share data. Connectivity can be through a wired or wireless connection. The most common port for wired connections is Ethernet, while Wi-Fi is the most common wireless connection. It is important to note that all connectivity speeds are theoretical and actual speeds depend on many factors. The following are the most used standards in computers with their capabilities:

• Wi-Fi 4

  Also known as 802.11n, it supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
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  Wi-Fi 4 Speeds

  1 Stream = 150Mbps

  2 Stream = 300Mbps

  3 Stream = 450Mbps

  Ethernet 1Gbps

• Wi-Fi 5

  Also known as 802.11ac, it supports 5GHz only.
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  Wi-Fi 5 Speeds

  1 Stream = 433Mbps

  2 Stream = 866Mbps

  3 Stream = 1300Mbps

  Ethernet 1Gbps

• Wi-Fi 6

  Also known as 802.11ax, it supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
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  Wi-Fi 6 Speeds

  1 Stream = 600Mbps

  2 Stream = 1200Mbps

  3 Stream = 1800Mbps

  Ethernet 1Gbps

• Wi-Fi 6E

  Also known as 802.11ax, it supports the new 6GHz channels.
  Learn more

  
  

  Wi-Fi 6E Speeds

  1 Stream = 600Mbps

  2 Stream = 1200Mbps

  3 Stream = 1800Mbps

  Ethernet 1Gbps

• Ethernet

  It is the main port for wired connectivity.
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  Ethernet Speeds

  10Mbps

  100Mbps

  1Gbps

  2.5Gbps

  5Gbps

  10Gbps

  Thunderbolt 1 = 10Gbps

• Bluetooth

  It is mainly used for connecting with accessories wirelessly.
  Learn more

  
  

  Bluetooth Speeds

  Bluetooth 1.0 = 700Kbps

  Bluetooth 2.0 = 2Mbps

  Bluetooth 3.0 = 3Mbps

  Bluetooth 4 LE = 1Mbps

  Bluetooth 5 = 2Mbps

How does it work?

Connectivity works by doing the following (over simplified) steps:

1. Send data
2. Receive data

Look for

• Get wired

  Check if you can get a wired connection instead of wireless

  Wired is more reliable than wireless and less prone to interference.

• Built-in Wi-Fi

  Get a laptop, PC, or Motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi

  If wired connection is not possible for your desktop PC, try to get a Motherboard or PC, with built-in Wi-Fi to save your PCIe slots for other expansions.

• Wi-Fi Streams

  Check both your Wi-Fi router and computer how many streams they support

  Most Wi-Fi is 2 streams. However, some are 3 or 4. Let's say you have a router with 3 stream Wi-Fi. It is better to get a 3 stream Wi-Fi for your computer instead of 2, so that you take full advantage of your routers bandwidth.

• Use 5 - 6GHz Wi-Fi

  Use 5GHz or 6GHz Wi-Fi when possible

  5GHz and 6GHz Wi-Fi are faster and less prone to interference, but their range is less.

• Router Proximity

  If you are using Wi-Fi, make sure you get as close as you can to the router

Avoid

• Wi-Fi

  Avoid using Wi-Fi, use wired connection instead

  Wired is more reliable than wireless and less prone to interference.

• 2.4GHz

  Avoid using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi

  2.4GHz is slower and more prone to interference, but has longer range. So try to stay close to your router to avoid using it.