Wireless modems send and transmit data over wireless networks instead of telephone or cable lines. They connect to the network using cellular, satellite, or WiFi protocols. They may be plugged into the computer through a peripheral port, or mounted internally on an expansion card slot. Early wireless services were slower than 56k dialups, but providers now offer speeds of 400k to 700k, approaching broadband speeds.
PCMCIA wireless modems plug into the type II PCMCIA slot in a computer.
They are used for mobile applications and connecting to WiFi networks.
They are about the size of credit cards and are commonly used in laptops.
Compact Flash wireless modems
Compact Flash wireless modems use a memory card format and plug into a memory card slot.
They are used in portable computers such as laptops and pocket PCs.
They may be designed for dialup or broadband and WiFi protocols.
Wireless broadband modems
Wireless broadband modems use wireless adapter cards to connect computers to an existing broadband or cable service.
They allow households and offices with multiple computers to share a single Internet connection.
The network card may be installed through the PCMCIA slot or a USB port.
USB wireless modems
USB wireless modems connect to the computer's USB port.
They are usually software-based and require a special program to perform most or all of the network functions.
They are dependent on the operating system and use up the computer's system resources, which may slow down other computer functions.
Serial wireless modems
Serial wireless modems connect to the computer through a serial port.
They may be software-based or hardware-based. Hardware-based models are more reliable because they operate from the modem itself without accompanying software.
Protocols: Choose a wireless modem that supports the type of connection you use. Laptops should have a WiFi-capable modem for mobile connections, while mobile phones and smartphones require CPCD or GPRS capability. Look for one with multiple protocols if you use different devices to connect. Signal strength: Choose a wireless modem that picks up strong signals from a wide coverage area. If your area has low or interrupted signal strength, look for a high-power modem or booster to maximize available signals.
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