How Do Air Cards Work for an Internet Connection?
An air card uses cellular networks to connect to the Internet. It is a portable hardware device that traditionally connects to the PCMCIA slot on a computer, but USB models are becoming common. The card establishes a wireless connection to the cellular network and transfers data similarly to how cell phones send and receive text messages.
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Installing an Air Card
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Air cards are simply inserted into a compatible slot on a computer. After an initial registration, including entering the preassigned number, the card accesses the cellular network and transfers data to and from the Internet.
Network Connection
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Instead of looking for Internet hot spots like the ones found in coffee shops or hotels, air cards look for cellular networks to connect to. This provides a constant link between a computer and the Internet.
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How Data Transfers
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Much like a regular Internet connection, data transfers through air cards in small chunks of information called packets. When these packets are received from the Internet, they go through the air card to the computer and are translated into human-friendly texts and images. Similarly, packets of information are created and sent by the computer through the air to the Internet.
Subscription
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The cellular network can be accessed with an air card, but requires a subscription plan with a cellular company. Some companies offer joint phone and air card packages, but these can be expensive. There are different kinds of plans available, such as bundling with a phone plan, pay-as-you-go or an unlimited access plan.
Bandwidth Limit
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The amount of uploading and downloading permitted per month has a limit established by some network providers. When a user goes above that limit, large extra fees are charged per megabyte.
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References
- Photo Credit student with wireless internet image by Paul Hill from Fotolia.com
