Wireless Personal Area Network
Devices are generally connected wirelessly using Bluetooth, RF, Near-Field Communication (NFC), and so on. This type of network
generally operates within a few feet of the devices. To connect your computer or tablet to the internet, see Connecting to the internet.
Modem
Modems allow you to connect your computer or router to the internet. Modems can be analog (dial-up) or digital (DSL or cable). DSL or
cable modems are generally provided by your internet service provider.
• Dial-up modem—Electronic devices that convert analog phone signals into digital signals that the computer can process and digital
computer signals into analog signals that can be transmitted over the telephone lines. Dial-up modems can be internal or external.
• Digital modem—Used to send and receive data to and from a digital telephone line, like Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or Integrated
Services Digital Network (ISDN).
Router
A router is a device that forwards data between computer networks. The most familiar type of routers are home and small oce routers
that allow you to share your internet connection between multiple devices at the same time.
Routers can be wired or wireless. A wired router allows you to connect your computer using a Ethernet (RJ45) cable. Most wired home
routers have four ports allowing you to connect up to four computers to the internet at the same time. A wireless router uses Wi‑Fi
technology allows you to wirelessly connect your phones, tablets, computers, and other devices to the network.
Wireless routers can connect to several devices at the same time. For more information, see the documentation for your router.
Network‑Interface Controller
Network‑Interface Controllers (NIC), also referred to as network adapters or Local‑Area Network (LAN) adapters, connect to a network
using an Ethernet cable. NICs can be internal (integrated to the system board) or external (expansion cards). Most new computers have
integrated network adapters.
Wireless Local‑Area Network adapter
WLAN adapters use Wi‑Fi technology and allow your devices to connect to a wireless router. Your computer may have an internal
(expansion cards or integrated to the system board) or an external WLAN adapter.
Wireless Wide Area Network adapter
Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) controllers allow wireless connectivity through cellular tower technology. This technology is mainly
available on phones, tablets, and business-class laptops. A SIM card and a service contract may be required for WWAN connectivity.
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About your computer
