Most computers and other computing devices such as smartphones, tablets, and even Internet of Things devices are connected to a network. Networks including connecting to the internet allow for communication, as well as sharing data locally within a group.
An interface is utilized to perform this. Network interfaces come in either wireless, cellular or wired versions.
In wireless networks, information is passed over the radio. For home use, wireless internet is most commonly provided by a wireless router. In business, the more sophisticated wireless access point or WAP is used. Wireless networks can include a special guest account, which allows visitors access to the internet without accessing other devices on the network. Most devices have either a wireless access card or have the capability to add one.
Another type of wireless network is a cellular network. This form of wireless networking uses a client device that connects directly to a cellular company via connectivity areas or “cells”. This gives the device access to the internet. Most commonly this connectivity is in phones and some tablets, but computers are being produced with this capability as well. This method has the advantage of having connectivity wherever there is cellular service with the provider.
Wired networks use an ethernet cable and a Network Interface Card, or NIC – wired networks are usually faster and more reliable. For home use, most often, the cable would be connected directly to a router. Whereas for business many computers would be connected to a switch.
Single computers can be powerful tools, when connected they allow for communication, collaborations, and the ability to share and retrieve data from many sources.