The best network cards for computers in 2018 [Comparison, Tests, Reviews]

Our selection of the best network cards for computers in 2018

Want to inquire before buying your computer network card? This buying guide will present you - in a clear, objective and independent way - our selection of the best computer network cards of the moment. In particular, you'll discover the best network card for your computer in 2018, the best value computer network card, and the best low-cost network card:

The editorial choice: the Asus Pce-ac56 WiFi card

No more cumbersome Ethernet cabling. With the Asus Pce-ac56 WiFi card, you have access to the 802.11ac Wifi with a fast speed up to 867 Mbps. Its improved design and two antennas eliminate dead zones and have an increased range of 150%.

Its two 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are backward compatible with all devices on the market, and it is equipped with a special radiator that allows stable and continuous operations. Its Broadcom TurboQAM technology enhances the power of the 802.11n Wi-Fi from 300 Mbps to 400 Mbps with compatible equipment.

For a broadband connection: the Archer T9E

Easy to install, with three external antennas that provide greater range and stability, the Archer T9E guarantees a high speed of up to 1,300 Mbps in Wifi AC (5 GHz) and 600 Mbps Wifi N (2.4 GHz).

You will be able to broadcast HD video and play online without any slowdown with the bit rate of 1300 Mbps in 5 GHz, while the speed of 600 Mbps in 2.4 GHz allows a smooth and stable internet browsing. Built-in Beamforming technology helps focus signals on customers and improve link reliability.

The best value for money: the TL-WN881ND N Wireless PCI Express Adapter

Affordable and high-performance, the TL-WN881ND Wireless N Express PCI Adapter complies with the IEEE 802.11n standard and guarantees a broadband connection of up to 300 Mbps, ideal for online gaming or streaming.

The MIMO technology with which it is designed, limits data loss especially during long distance transfers and allows the signal to cross obstacles such as concrete walls or steel dams.

Equipped with two omnidirectional and removable antennas, this adapter uses WPA and WPA2 ciphers that are very effective against attacks and intrusions.

The best card for intensive use: the Asus Pce-ac68 network card

With a fifth-generation 802.11ac connection, two 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands, and a 1.3 Gbps transfer rate, the Asus Pce-ac68 network card is one of the best at the moment. Premium Bit-Tech Premium Grade, its adjustable high gain antennas offer better coverage.

Suitable for intensive use and much better than Wifi N, this card guarantees a connection three times faster with the elimination of dead zones and a range increased by 15%. The stability of the connection is ensured by the powerful aluminum radiator.

The best price: the TP-Link TL-WN851ND PCI adapter

Supplied with a quick installation guide, the TP-Link TL-WN851ND PCI adapter provides up to 300 Mbps of connection throughput. It is designed with Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) technology to avoid channel conflict by its ability to select the free channels for a smooth and stable connection.

Ideal for streaming and large downloads; this adapter secures transferred data with WPA and WPA2 ciphers and prevents data loss with MIMO technology that increases signal penetration. This is one of the best cards also features as one of the best network cards on saim deals which has arranged the list of latest networking cards.

Criteria to consider when choosing a computer network card

The transmission medium

The choice of a computer network card depends to a large extent on its transmission medium. So, if your computer is connected to a wired transmission medium (wired network), have a network card equipped with a connector. This type of card is equipped with a cable that will provide the connection to the local network. The Ethernet network card is one of the most common wired network cards. In the case of a wireless transmission medium (Wifi network), simply connect your machine via a wireless network card. Very often, it is already integrated into the motherboard of your machine. But if it's not the case, just install it from an external card. It is just necessary that this network card is compatible with the port of your computer (PCI or ISA).

The mode of communication

The communication mode is also an important criterion in the choice of a computer network card. You must know that a network card can communicate in two different ways. In half-duplex mode, it transmits or receives data only at a given time. This is more than enough if you have an old low-speed modem, for example. On the other hand, full duplex network cards are more efficient. They are particularly capable of supporting a very high-speed connection. They are suitable, for example, for 100 Mbps connections.

The transmission rate

The choice of a network card also differs in its transmission rate. Be aware that the network equipment you use must be connected at the same rate. For standard network cards (Ethernet), there are for example 10Base-T, 100Base-TX and 1000Base-T. The first allows a connection speed of up to 10 Mbps. The second supports a maximum bit rate of 100 Mbps. Finally, the third allows a bit rate of up to 1000 Mbps.

The architecture of the data bus of the computer (or internal bus)

Among the criteria to be taken into account for the purchase of a computer network card is also the architecture of the data bus. This computer bus connects the network card to the motherboard. Be aware that when the network adapter model is compatible with the data bus, its performance is optimized. Some cards, such as the PCI network card, corresponding for example to RJ-45 format (star architecture) buses.

The type of wiring

For a network card to be compatible with a computer, it must have a connector that is perfectly adapted to the type of cabling on your PC. Indeed, in the case of a wired network, there are two types of cables. The first, certainly the most widespread, concerns coaxial cable. If you have a computer with such cabling, use a network card that has a BNC connector or a T-BNC connector. This connects the network card to your computer from a computer. BNC connector. Easy to use, it is used for broadband and long distance connections. The second type is twisted pair wiring. Suitable for low-speed connections, this cable is connected through a network card with an RJ-45 connector.

Why buy a network card for a computer?

It serves as an interface between the computer and the cable

A network card serves as a physical interface between the computer and the cable by preparing the data transmitted by the computer for the network cable and by controlling the flow of data between the computer and the cable.

She is reliable

Reliability is one of the greatest assets of a computer network card. In the presence of this equipment, the speed of connection to your network is stable, secure and optimized. In addition, there is no risk of interruption.

She is efficient

The computer network card gives you full advantage of a high-performance network with a very high data transmission speed that can reach some models up to 2 Gbps.

It is easy to install and handle

Whether for personal or business use, a computer with a network card allows the entire family to connect very easily and quickly to the Internet. Networking is facilitated. Very often, the network card is already integrated into your computer.