Which type of wireless client device requires drivers to be installed on the client node?

The correct answer pertains to wireless client devices that are installed as printed circuit (PC) cards, typically using interfaces such as PCI or ISA. These devices require drivers to be installed on the client node for several reasons.

Firstly, devices using the PCI or ISA interfaces are discrete components that connect to the system bus. They do not come equipped with the necessary software drivers pre-installed on the operating system. As a result, the operating system must be configured to recognize and communicate with the hardware effectively. The drivers enable the operating system to control the device, allowing for necessary functions like data transmission, signal processing, and configuration management.

The requirement for drivers is critical because, without them, the operating system wouldn't be able to interpret the commands sent to and received from the wireless client. This lack of communication would prevent the device from functioning correctly, leaving the user unable to connect to wireless networks.

In contrast, USB wireless adapters and wireless dongles often have built-in drivers or may utilize universal plug-and-play capabilities that allow them to be recognized by modern operating systems without the need for separate driver installation. Similarly, embedded wireless NICs are integrated directly into the device's motherboard and come pre-equipped with the drivers needed for operation, further simplifying connectivity without requiring manual installation from