How Broadband Cards Work
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PC Card
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Network-adapter hardware comes in various shapes. The most common one is the Peripheral Component Interconnect, or PCI, form, which is standard for desktop computers. For laptops, it is more practical to have the size of the device scaled down. The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) is an industry organization that specializes in developing network adapters that are thin and lightweight. Network adapters that are manufactured according to their standards often are called PCMCIA or PC cards and such devices are only slightly bigger than a credit card.
Broadband cards are made in this form. Just like any other wireless-network adapter, they contain a built-in transmitter and receiver. Broadband cards easily can be inserted into a laptop's PCMCIA slot. This is a narrow open bay usually located on the side of the laptop. A small portion of the inserted broadband card protrudes from the slot. This part of the card that sticks out contains the antenna which sends and receives the signals.
Installation
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Broadband cards are sold by telecommunication companies and offer the connection service as well. Each brand of broadband card comes with its own proprietary software stored in a CD or DVD disc. This contains the device drivers, which will allow the laptop's processor and application software to communicate with the broadband card. Installation of a broadband card primarily will involve installation of these drivers. Afterward, the broadband card needs to be set up according to the service provider's recommended configurations so this new hardware fits in with the rest of the laptop's system. Finally, authentication procedures need to be followed to access the connection service. Installing a broadband card is quite simple. There is a printed manual that outlines the steps and easy instructions appear on the laptop screen which guides a user through the process.
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Connection
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Correctly installed, the broadband card provides a laptop with broadband Internet connection. Unlike other wireless network adapters, a broadband card makes use of cellular technology--the same technology used by mobile phones. The transmissions are relayed through cell phone towers. Thus, an Internet connection can be achieved and maintained practically anywhere where a cell phone signal is available. This extends an exceptional measure of mobility and convenience to the laptop user. Because telecommunication companies already have their cell phone communication infrastructure in place, the cost of this new type of Internet connection service is only a little more expensive than a regular wireless subscription. The other advantage of a broadband card is the connection is just as high speed as other wireless Internet connections. Users can expect an average speed of 500 kilobytes per second for uploading and downloading.
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