Reference Guide

Router
A router is a device that forwards data between computer networks. The most familiar type of routers are home and small office
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.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth allows you to connect other Bluetooth-enabled devices to your computer or tablet, over a short distance. Bluetooth
devices may include phones, headsets, keyboard, mice, printers, and so on. Bluetooth adapters can be internal (expansion cards
or integrated to the system board) or external.
More sophisticated routers, such as enterprise routers, connect large business or ISP networks up to the powerful core routers
that forward data at high speed along the optical fiber lines of the internet backbone.
Near-Field Communication
Near-Field Communication (NFC) allows you to exchange data between two devices by touching the devices with each other or
by bringing them to close proximity. You can use NFC-enabled devices to read NFC-tags, make payments, share files between
compatible devices, and so on.
On Dell laptops and tablets that support NFC, it is enabled by default when wireless in turned on.
NOTE: For connecting your NFC-enabled device to your computer or tablet, see the documentation for your device.
NOTE: File sharing works only between devices using Windows operating system.
26 About your computer