whats the difference between a PCI network card an an exterior wireless router?

Question

Im wondering about transfer rates, not what physically makes them different (I know the difference)---thanks!

Answer 1

A wireless router is a device for sharing an internet connection - a network card is the hardware your computer needs to 'talk' to the internet through a wired connection. You can't connect to a wireless router unless you also have a network card or wireless network card in your computer.

Answer 2

A PCI network card's speed is limited by the hub that you use to hook machines together. For example you have Gigabit ethernet, but your hub only handles 100Mb, then you will be bottlenecked. The main advantage is being physically connected, and not having to worry about interference (or people pulling up in front of your house and using your internet connection through their laptop or psp or whatever.)

The wireless speed is affected by the speed of the router, as well as the speed of the wireless receivers. You should probably do some research before buying the equipment to make sure that it will all work together and you don't end up with a fast router and slow receivers, etc. Obviously the advantage is being able to be connected anywhere - and you can increase the distance it will work at with signal boosters.

Depending on the speed of your wireless

Answer 3

PCI Card slots into the PC. The wireless router plugs into a Modem, and the other end has a cable going to the Network card, and allows the PC to chat with the outside world

Answer 4

well, a PCI nic card is a card that goes into the standard pci slot and allows you to use an ethernet cable to connect to the internet or a network interface. a wireless router is a network hub which basically allows you to hook up a few computers together for networking or for sharing internet. a router handles the communication between systems and the wireless allows you to also use laptops or wireless communications to your network.