There are significant differences between wireless network cards and WiFi in terms of definition, functionality, and application. 1、 Definition
Wireless Network Interface Controller (WNIC) is a terminal wireless network device that helps computers and other terminal devices connect to the network wirelessly, such as WiFi or Bluetooth. A wireless network card is a hardware component inside or outside a computer that is used to receive and send wireless signals.
WiFi: WiFi is a standard for wireless local area network (WLAN), also known as Wireless Fidelity, which is a wireless LAN technology used for wireless data transmission and connecting devices. WiFi is based on the IEEE 802 and 11 standards, which define the specifications for wireless networks at the physical layer and media access control layer (MAC layer). 2、 Function
Wireless network card: Its main function is to serve as a device for receiving and transmitting wireless signals, enabling computers and other devices to connect wirelessly to the network. It needs to be used with a wireless router or wireless access point (AP) to access the Internet. Wireless network cards can be built-in (such as those found in laptops) or external (such as USB wireless network cards).
WiFi: The function of WiFi technology is to convert wired network signals into wireless signals for devices that support WiFi technology (such as phones, computers, tablets, etc.) to receive and connect. Connect to wired networks such as fiber optics and Ethernet through wireless access points (APs), and then transmit data to nearby WiFi devices through wireless signals. WiFi provides flexible, convenient, and scalable wireless connectivity, which is an indispensable part of modern life. 3、 Application
Wireless network card: widely used in digital products such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc., to achieve wireless internet functionality. In the environment without wired network, wireless network card is an important device to connect to the Internet.
WiFi: WiFi technology is widely used in environments such as homes, offices, and public places to provide wireless LAN services. Support multiple devices to connect and share network resources at the same time, such as Internet access, file transmission and communication. 4、 Summary
Wireless network cards and WiFi play different roles in wireless network technology. A wireless network card is a hardware component on devices such as computers, used to receive and send wireless signals; WiFi is a wireless LAN technology used to convert wired network signals into wireless signals for devices that support WiFi technology to connect and use. In practical applications, wireless network cards need to be paired with WiFi technology or other wireless technologies (such as Bluetooth) to achieve wireless internet functionality.