What Is a PCMCIA Ethernet Card?
Ethernet cards provide a computer with a connection to a local area network (LAN). For many home computers the Ethernet adapter is built into the motherboard. Most laptops include PCMCIA slots that allow the user to insert and remove adapters easily. If the laptop does not have a built-in Ethernet adapter, then a PCMCIA Ethernet card would be needed to connect to a LAN.
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History
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PCMCIA stands for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. It is a standards organization with more than 100 companies as members.
Benefits
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By using a PCMCIA Ethernet card the user is ensured that the card will work with the standard 68-pin interface. The same card could be used in any laptops that support PCMCIA devices.
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Features
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A PCMCIA Ethernet card must provide the user with 10 and/or 100 Mbps connectivity, and support for network protocols like TCP/IP. It needs to support the IEEE Ethernet standards for networking as well.
Size
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A PCMCIA card is about the size of a credit card. Ethernet cables have an RJ45 connector, which are thicker then the PCMCIA cards. An adapter is used to make the physical connection.
New and Improved
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Many manufactures produce Ethernet cards that connect directly to cellular networks. No wires or adapters are needed, and the speeds exceed 100 Mbps.
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