Do You Need a Wireless-G USB to Work With a Wireless-G Router?
A wireless G USB has two formats. One is a network adapter, the other is a wireless router catering to that computer. The consumer needs to check the precise details of the USB device to determine its capabilities. It may not be necessary to also have a wireless router.
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USB
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USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. It is a connector for computer peripherals and has largely replaced the earlier "Serial" and "Parallel" ports for computers. A wireless USB device looks like a memory stick or an MP3 player. A removable cover at one end reveals a USB plug that slots into one of the USB ports on the computer. A USB wireless network interface controller -- or WNIC -- provides Wi-Fi capabilities for computers that do not already have a wireless network adapter integrated into the motherboard. Newer USB devices include an Internet connection and so do not need to communicate with a nearby wireless router.
Wireless G
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Home Wi-Fi networks come in three versions: "B," "G" and "N." These letters refer to the standards to which the network equipment complies. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is responsible for developing and managing Wi-Fi standards. These standards carry the code 802.11 followed by a letter to indicate progression in the series. The earliest standard for home Wi-Fi systems was 802.11b, which was produced in 1999. In 2003, the IEEE produced 802.11g. These are the standards to which "Wireless-G" network adapters and routers conform. The latest version of the Wi-Fi standards is called 802.11n.
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Compatibility
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The IEEE stresses backwards compatibility in its standards. One of the requirements placed on the developers of 802.11g was that equipment following the standard should be able to communicate with equipment made to the 802.11b standards. Similarly, when 802.11n was under development the same requirement was in place. This means that a Wireless G USB WNIC can communicate with a B router and an N router as well as with a G router.
Wireless Computers
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Most laptops computers now come with a wireless network adapter already integrated into the circuitry of its motherboard. Mini laptops, or Netbooks, were specifically designed to connect to wireless networks. In these cases, the computer user does not need to buy a USB WNIC because that only duplicates the hardware already inside the computer. If the computer does not have wireless capabilities a USB WNIC following either "B," "G" or "N" standards would communicate effectively with a Wireless-G router
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References
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