External network cards are a good solution if you want to achieve greater compatibility and connection quality. They can also take over the role of a faulty/obsolete component in your computer. In this text, I will discuss the types of network cards as well as the selection of devices in various scenarios.
Types of network cards and Wi-Fi adapters
External network cards can be divided according to the interface they work with. It is often defined by the connector or plug.
In the case of network cards, we mainly encounter: USB, PCIe and Thunderbolt. Each of these interfaces has its own specific features that affect performance and ease of use.
Wireless USB network cards
USB network cards are undoubtedly the most commonly used solution, especially for commercial users. Their great advantage is their simple installation - just plug them into a USB port on your computer. They look identical to They are available in versions for different types of connections (Wi-Fi, Ethernet). USB network cards have different data transfer rates depending on the USB version – 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, where the higher USB standard gives better results. Wi-Fi cards that work via USB are a convenient solution for improving connection quality without having to open the computer case.
PCIe network cards
PCIe network cards are cards that are installed directly on the motherboard of a desktop computer. PCIe devices are characterized by high data transfer rates and offer more stable connections compared to USB cards. However, their installation requires a little more knowledge. PCIe cards are most often chosen by people who need high data transfer speeds, mainly for gaming or working in the cloud/with demanding applications.
Thunderbolt network cards
Thunderbolt network cards are a relatively new solution that offers very fast data transfer. The Thunderbolt interface provides high bandwidth, which can be useful in situations requiring the best performance, such as multimedia transmission or working with very large files. However, Thunderbolt network cards are still less popular than USB and PCIe, and they also require suitable ports in the computer.
Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet
One of the basic choices that Internet users face is whether to choose a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. Wi-Fi network cards enable a wireless connection to the network, which is convenient (and, by the way, is somewhat of a standard), especially for mobile devices and laptops. Ethernet connections (in other words, wired connections) provide more stable and faster data transfers, which is crucial for demanding applications, online games, or live video transmissions.
Wi-Fi is often prone to signal interference, especially in crowded places, while Ethernet provides more predictable speed and connection stability. Therefore, people who care about the highest performance (e.g. gamers or professionals) usually prefer a wired connection, while for other users Wi-Fi will be the first choice because of its convenience.
Network adapter and internet speed
The network adapter has a significant impact on internet speed. Not only the type of network adapter, but also the supported standards, such as the already widespread Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), have a significant impact on the connection speed.
In addition, as I have already mentioned, the interface of the network card (e.g. USB 2.0, 3.0) also affects performance. Cards connected via USB 2.0 can limit the speed, even if the Wi-Fi standard is modern, because USB 2.0 does not provide sufficient bandwidth.
External vs. built-in antenna
When it comes to Wi-Fi cards, it is worth paying attention to the antennas. Network cards equipped with external antennas offer better range and connection stability. Thanks to the possibility of adjusting the direction of the antenna, you can optimize the range depending on the position of the device to which you have connected the card. On the other hand, cards with built-in antennas – especially the “nano” versions (i.e. small cards resembling USB sticks that are connected via a USB port) – usually have worse range and lower signal quality, which is particularly evident in the case of a low Wi-Fi signal level received from the router (e.g. when it is a long distance from the device).
How do I choose the right network card and what should I look out for?
When choosing a network card, there are a few key parameters to look out for:
- Wi-Fi standard – the newer the better (e.g. Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5).
- Frequencies: Some cards support two frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. 5 GHz Wi-Fi offers higher speeds with a slightly shorter range.
- Interface: USB 3.0 or PCIe provide better throughput than the older USB 2.0.
- Antenna power: The higher the power, the better the range.
Our recommendations for gamers, professionals and home users.
- For gamers: the best choice is a wired Ethernet connection. However, for those who want to remain mobile, a PCIe card with Wi-Fi 6 and powerful external antennas is also an alternative. This will provide a stable, reliable connection, which is essential for online gaming.
- For professionals: As above, PCIe cards with Wi-Fi 6 and/or Ethernet support will provide the speed and stability needed for working with large files and applications.
- For home users: USB cards with Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 support are sufficient for everyday tasks such as browsing the Internet or streaming video.
Use of external network cards
Some readers will ask themselves the obvious question at this stage: what real use do external network cards have? Some of the most common user scenarios are:
- Older computers - when a computer does not have a built-in Wi-Fi card, an external USB network card solves the problem of lack of Internet access.
- Working remotely – a network card with a good antenna can improve Wi-Fi stability when working from home, and thus the quality of work. So if you have a problem with the connection dropping during meetings, it is worth considering this solution.
- Gaming – the most obvious scenario, because gamers need a stable and fast connection. Upgrading a cheap network card available in stock in the computer will improve the performance so needed in demanding network games.
Network cards – overlooked, but extremely important
External network cards are devices that can solve problems with connecting to the Internet, improve signal quality and provide greater user comfort. Choosing the right card depends on the specific needs of the user, such as speed, network range and working comfort. Users very often forget that it is they, and not only the Wi-Fi router, who determine the quality of our connection, which is why they are crucial for its improvement. It is therefore worth adapting the choice of card to individual requirements - both in terms of performance and future applications.
