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Network cards – Functions and best brands

Network cards – Functions and best brands

A network card or network interface card (NIC) helps a computer connect to the internet. Nearly all computers have them installed directly onto their motherboards. This article discusses the main functions of a network card and some of the best network card brands in the market.

Functions of a network card
The following are the three most essential functions of a network card:

  • To establish communication over both wired (ethernet cable) or wireless mediums
  • To convert data into digital signals
  • To establish communication over long distances

Best network cards for supreme performance
Since a network card allows you to work on the internet, you want to ensure that you have the best card installed on your device. Here are the best brands you can consider:

  • TP-LINK Archer T5E AC1200
    TP-LINK is one of the best network card brands, and the Archer T5E AC1200 is one of its popular variants. The installation is simple. All you have to do is plug the network card into the PCIe slot. It offers speeds of up to 1167 Mbps and comes with two external high-gain antennas, due to which it has a broad wireless range. This means more parts of your home can get connected to the Wi-Fi.
  • Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I
    If you are looking for an affordable network card for gaming, the GC-WB867D-I is the right option. It not only helps you establish a network but also comes packed with Bluetooth 4.2. Plus, it utilizes 2.4 GHz/5.8 GHz dual-band frequency, ensuring that you enjoy gaming without any lag. It is capable of delivering speeds up to 867 Mbps.
  • Leoxsys LEO-2GE82576
    This is a high-performance network card designed for PCI Express Bus Architecture. It has a remote wake-up and wake-on-LAN support apart from auto-correction and crossover detection duplex mode. These help double your network connection’s speed. It supports a transmission speed of up to 2.5 Gbps and comes with a single-lane PCI Express.
  • ASUS PCE AC56 PCI
    Whether you use the internet for regular browsing, streaming high-quality content, or playing games online, the ASUS PCE AC56 PCI is one of the highest-rated network cards. It can deliver Wi-Fi speeds of 876 Mbps in 5.0 GHz and 400 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz range. It also has an aptly designed heatsink that prevents the network card from overheating.

These were some of the best network card brands. When choosing a network card brand, you should particularly explore aspects such as signal distance, signal strength, reliability, and heatsinks, among other factors, and purchase smartly!