wireless network interface card (WNIC)

A wireless network interface card (WNIC) is a network card which connects to a radio-based computer network. A WNIC, just like a NIC, works on the Layer 1 and Layer 2 of the OSI Model. A WNIC is an essential component for wireless desktop/laptop computer. This card uses an antenna to communicate through microwaves. A WNIC in a desktop computer usually is connected using the PCI bus. Other connectivity options are USB and PC card. Integrated WNICs are also available.

Wireless Network Interface Cards and Wireless Access Points are designed to work at certain specifications based on the IEEE. The most popular wireless specifications in 2010 are 802.11g (Wireless G) and 802.11n (Wireless N).Wireless G works on the 2.4 GHz frequency which allows for backwards compatibility with Wireless B technologies. Wireless G technologies allow for a maximum data rate of 54Mbps. 802.11g is by the far the most popular wireless technology in terms of rapid adoption. Unfortunately, since it suffers from the same interference as 802.11b (Wireless B), because of the 2.4GHz frequency. As a result, in the United States and elsewhere, Wireless G is often implemented in Channels 1, 6, and 11 because these are the three non-overlapping usable channels.

Wireless N improves 802.11g (Wireless G) bringing faster overall speeds, new antenna technologies, and dual-band frequency devices. 802.11n WAPs are backwards compatible with all previous wireless standards including 802.11g (Wireless G) and 802.11b (Wireless B). When this standard is finalized, 802.11n connections should support data rates of over 100 Mbps. 802.11n also offers somewhat better range over earlier Wi-Fi standards due to its increased signal intensity.