In my work environment some mobile workers were issued laptops with the internal WiFi disabled and instead given external Lynksys cards. What's the advantage? if any?
2006-12-07 02:43:19 · 8 answers · asked by Mirza Hakimi 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
It is probably to keep all the WiFi cards consistent. WiFi is bad enought to support without have 25 different cards, with different configuration software, running different optoins, with different protocols and different levels of WEP and WPA security. It is much easier to keep them all the same. Then if you need to update the network, it is the same for every computer and can often be automated. Does not require someone going to all 800 laptops at the site I support and trying to figure out how to do it on each type of card.
2006-12-07 02:50:54 · answer #1 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since i am in an IT department in which we do this....
It is disabled to prevent your open wireless from allowing outside people to bridge from the wireless to the wired network and thusly steal your companies information. Think of it as securing your networks at work. The WiFi can be re-enabled for when you travel but while at work unless otherwise posted it should always be turned off. The more wireless that is on and not being used, the more of a chance that someone will hack in.
And guess what... When they hack via your laptop, security will track the intrusion to your laptop. Because you turned it back on, you will be blamed and probably let go or have your laptop rescinded for a desktop. Not saying it is you perse... Just saying it as a generalization.
The external ones can also be traced back and provided specific accesses as well. They can be locked down so only the MAC address of that card will be allowed to access the network...
(I overlooked the part about the external adapter)
2006-12-07 02:49:08 · answer #2 · answered by rdbn7734 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very seldom does a internal wireless / WiFi card go bad, You can use a wireless adapter USB or card type install the software that comes with it and then set up the connect to access a wireless network/WiFi. Most likely the problem is with your home networks signal strength or your wireless settings. Or you could just fix the problem with the internal wireless card. Post the brand, model number, installed operating system, router brand and model number when asking a question to get the best answer and help.
2016-05-23 03:34:12 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The simple answer is Security. As most businesses, including my own, lock the WiFi down to MAC addresses. By forcing users to use specific external devices like the Linksys card, they then have an inventory control and can track network abuse to a specific device/user.
2006-12-07 04:25:14 · answer #4 · answered by gsxrken2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There might be a security issue with internal wifi cards or the linksys card may put you on their specific network with passwords and firewalls already triggered.
You can always turn it on your self through the bios setting if not through the regular windows or a switch.
2006-12-07 02:48:03 · answer #5 · answered by kkwong5 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A better way to set options on the external cards I would guess.
2006-12-07 02:45:36 · answer #6 · answered by Yoi_55 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know of no difference, maybe the Lynksys cards are better quality and better for your system.
2006-12-07 02:47:30 · answer #7 · answered by Bladerunner (Dave) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they can lock down the network better if everyone is using the same adapters. and they are also ensuring compatibility with their network.
2006-12-07 02:47:03 · answer #8 · answered by Helping Since 1969 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋