Wifi adapter m2

EDUP WiFi 6 AX200NGW M.2 Wireless Network Card is another M.2 WiFi card for PC based on the Intel AX200NGW module. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi 6 with speeds up to 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz and 2400 Mbps on the 5GHz band. However, the speeds will reduce if connected to a WiFi 5 router or access point.

What is M.2?

Before describing device models, we need to understand what M.2 means in the model name? It is the size or interface to connect SSDs, wireless adapters (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), NFS and GPS modules, other accessories for small devices (e.g. netbooks, tablets, etc.).

M.2 is a mini version of SATA Express (with support for PCI Express 3.0 and SATA 3.0) + additionally USB 3.0 (backwards compatible with 2.0).

The M.2 connector takes up less space and has many sizes (by width/height). The form factor has 67 pins, which are separated by keys (according to the type of key is supposed to divide the modules to be connected, depending on the type of device – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFS, 3G/4G and others).

See the video story about the types of interfaces to connect the devices here:

Wireless Adapter Options

Briefly for those who are new to the topic, I will tell you what a wireless adapter is. It is the device by which a computer, laptop, etc. connects to a router and accesses the Internet.

1. Type of security. Today, the most effective closed network security standard is WPA2-PSK. For corporate users, 802.1x is used.
2. Transmitter power (measured in dBm). This depends on the distance over which the wireless signal will be transmitted and the data transfer rate. For an apartment the normal value is 18 dBm.
3. Operating frequency (range). There are 2 of them – 2.4 and 5 GHz. The first frequency is the most common, but it is busier. 5 GHz is more free, but only 802.11 a/n/ac standards work in this range. Today you can find many models of dual-band routers and adapters.
4. Connection interface – external (via USB port) or internal (PCI, M.2).
5. Wireless communication standard. The most common today is 802.11 n. But almost all new devices are available with support for the protocol ac (works in the 5 GHz band, the maximum speed – up to 6.77 Gb / s with 8 MU-MIMO antennas).

These are the most significant parameters to consider when buying an adapter. And now I will do a review of several models, which are connected via the M.2 interface.

Wireless adapter parameters

Briefly for those who are new to the topic, I will tell you what a wireless adapter is. It is the device by which a computer, laptop, etc. connects to a router and accesses the Internet.

1. The type of protection. Today, the most effective closed network security standard is WPA2-PSK. For corporate users, 802.1x is used.
2. Transmitter power (measured in dBm). This value depends on the distance over which the wireless signal will be transmitted and the data transfer rate. For an apartment the normal value is 18 dBm.
3. Operating frequency (range). There are 2 – 2.4 and 5 GHz. The first frequency is the most common, but busier. 5 GHz is more free, but only 802.11 a/n/ac standards work in this range. Today you can find many models of dual-band routers and adapters.
4. Connection interface – external (via USB port) or internal (PCI, M.2).
5. Wireless communication standard. The most common today is 802.11 n. But almost all new devices are produced with support for the protocol ac (works in the 5 GHz band, the maximum speed – up to 6.77 Gb / s with 8 MU-MIMO antennas).

These are the most important parameters to consider when buying an adapter. And now I will do a review of several models that connect through the M.2 interface.

Overview and price

1. Intel 7265NGW.AC. Dual band M.2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth adapter. Approximate cost is 1200 rubles. Main Specifications:

• Range – 2.4/5 GHz,
• Wi-Fi standard – 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac,
• Transmitter power – 18 dBm,
• Bluetooth0,
• Security standard – WEP, WPA, WPA2, 802.1x.

1. Intel 9260NGW.AC. Bluetooth + Wi-Fi adapter (approximate price – 2500 rubles). Specifications:

• Operating frequency – 2.4, 5 GHz,
• Wireless protocol 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac,
• MIMO support,
• Maximum speed – 1730 Mbit / s,
• Interface connection M.2.

1. Intel 8265NGW.AC. Bluetooth + Wi-Fi adapter to connect via M.2 interface (average price – 1800 rubles). Operating parameters:

• Range – 2.4/5 GHz,
• Wi-Fi standard 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac,
• MIMO support – yes,
• Security standard – WEP, WPA, WPA2, 802.1x,
• The maximum theoretical speed is 867 Mbps.

I will not describe all the models that I found. You can look them up on the websites of digital and home appliances stores. The purpose of this article was to tell about the M.2 form factor, what this interface is used for.

Any questions, write in the comments! Thanks and see you on WiFiGid!

Choosing the Best M.2 WiFi and Bluetooth Card – The Ultimate Buying Guide

If you're looking to buy an M.2 WiFi and Bluetooth card, here is what to consider to get just the right card for your needs.

Form Factor: Motherboard

As the name suggests, M.2 WiFi and Bluetooth cards come with an M.2 form factor. However, these cards are not compatible with the regular M.2 slots where you usually install an M.2 SSD. Instead, they install into a tiny M.2 slot with key A or E. All M.2 WiFi cards come with a standard M.2 2230 form factor, keyed A or E.

Many motherboards feature the regular M.2 SSD slots (keyed M), but not all have a keyed A/E M.2 slot. It’s good to check your motherboard if it has the specific M.2 slot for WiFi cards. If you don’t have one, don’t despair, you can use a WiFi 6 PCIe adapter to add WiFi to your laptop.

For laptops, make sure the WiFi card you’re replacing uses the M.2 (key E/A) slot. Some laptops use different form factors for the WiFi card, such as mini PCIe. Most of the latest laptops use an M.2 slot.

You don’t have to open your laptop to check the type of WiFi connector used. You can easily find what WiFi card your laptop uses in the “device manager.” Google the WiFi card name to find what connector it uses.

Compatibility: Operating System and Processor

Most M.2 WiFi and Bluetooth cards are compatible with Windows 10 (64bit), Chrome OS, and Linux operating systems but don’t work with macOS. If you’re looking for an M.2 WiFi card for Hackintosh, make sure it supports macOS natively, such as the YOUBO Hackintosh WiFi M.2 NGFF Adapter (Amazon Link).

All the M.2 WiFi Bluetooth cards in this guide work with Intel processors, however not all will work with AMD processors. A few cards support AMD-based PCs, such as the Ubit AX WiFi 6 Card (Amazon Link). You can also check the user reviews on Amazon to find out if it works with AMD processors.

Antenna

If you’re installing the M.2 WiFi and Bluetooth adapter on a desktop, make sure it comes with WiFi antennas for better signal reception. Most M.2 WiFi cards designed for desktops, such as the Intel Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) (Amazon Link), come with antennas and all the required installation hardware.

Best M.2 WiFi and Bluetooth Cards – Frequently Asked Questions

Do WiFi cards have Bluetooth?

WiFi cards have Bluetooth integrated. If you want to upgrade the Bluetooth performance of your desktop or PC, you can install an M.2 WiFi and Bluetooth card.

Can I put a WiFi card in an M.2 slot?

M.2 WiFi and Bluetooth cards install to an M.2 slot in the laptop or desktop motherboard. Some laptops use other connectors for the WiFi card, such as a mini PCIe slot.

Do M.2 WiFi cards need antennas?

M.2 WiFi cards require antennas to work and for better signal reception. For laptops, the cards use the built-in WiFi antennas (assuming the laptop already supported WiFi), but you have to connect antennas for the best performance on desktops.

How do I add WiFi to my motherboard?

You can add WiFi to a motherboard using an M.2 WiFi card or a PCIe WiFi adapter.

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