What is a dongle and how it works?

The wireless internet data cards have redefined the online experience altogether. They are widely used by people from across the world to accomplish their daily needs. This only proves that the dependency on data cards has significantly increased. In this section, we will help you understand everything about a data card and why it is used by a majority of people today:

What is a data card?

A data card or a smart card is a removable computer component that contains information. It is used for data operations, such as input, output, storage, transfer, and transformation.

How does a 4G data card work?

Wireless internet data cards work almost similar to your mobile phones. Both use electromagnetic waves to transfer the data.

Although these data cards are wireless on the user’s end, the entire process is a combination of wired and wireless communication. Yes, you read that correctly. The routers or access points initially receive data in binary form through wires. They, then rely on the antennas to transfer the electrical signals (which are binary) into electromagnetic waves.

The wireless internet data cards when plugged in hunt for these electrical signals. If these cards are within the broadcasted range, they will pick up the signal. Later, these cards broadcast the electromagnetic waves and communicate with the closest tower in that area.

Before the connection is made, all your details will be verified. And finally, the connection is opened, making it possible for you to access the internet. But hey, when you shut the internet connection on your computer, these data cards will automatically stop transferring the data. You can use the data card as a substitute for your Wi-Fi router.

The cards can be sorted by their purposes:

Expansion card

It is inserted into the motherboard slot socket and is further classified into three different types:

• Video card

This card transforms data from the computer memory into the video signal for the monitor.

• Sound card

It enables the computer to work with sound.

• Network card

This type of card enables the computer to interact on a local network.

• Memory card

These cards are widely used in digital portable devices, such as photo and video cameras, MP3 players, smartphones, and so forth. It is mainly used for storage of the built-in software in various devices like routers, printers, scanners, etc.

Identification card

They are classified into the following types:

• Contact cards with ISO/ IEC 7816 interface

They are used for holder authorization of certain services, such as bank account access for payment realization, use of prepaid mobile services, and so forth.

• Contact cards with a USB interface

It is a microcircuit like SIM card segregated from the ISO/ IEC 7816 card, which is mounted in a tiny case with a reader and USB connector.

• Contactless cards

They are smart cards that communicate with the reader through radio transmission. But, it should be close enough to the reader to perform necessary operations.

These data cards are beneficial in several ways. They are an ideal solution if you have faulty internet, or if you need to access the internet quickly, especially when you’re away from your router.

Benefits of using a data card

In addition to these benefits, there are several other reasons that explain why everyone should use a data card. So, come, let’s find out the pros of using them in detail below:

• Allows you to use the internet anytime from anywhere (even when you’re on a holiday, sitting in a cafe, train, or park)
• Data cards are portable as they are small and handy enough to carry anywhere
• The cards can be used abroad if your dongle plans allow it
• They are extremely easy to use. All you need to do is plug into your computer’s USB port and you are good to go
• They are powered by your computers, so you don’t have to worry about charging them 24 x 7
• They are useful to have around when you’re working remotely or if your broadband crashes
• The data cards can provide you with an internet connection in areas where the fixed-line broadband is slow or unreliable.

To sum up, there are many advantages of having 3G or 4G data cards. They are portable, easy to use, and best of all, it gives you the freedom to move anywhere. You even get international plans! So, what are you waiting for? Purchase a great data card recharge plan with unlimited calling and mobile data from Airtel Thanks today. Hurry!