Dell Inspiron 20-3045 User Manual

Also see for Inspiron 20-3045: Owner's manual

Contents

42  NetworkModemModems allow you to connect your computer or router to the internet.Modems can be analog (dial-up) or digital (DSL or Cable). DSL or cablemodems are generally provided by your internet service provider.• Dial-up modem — Electronic devices that convert analog phone signalsinto digital signals that the computer can process, and digital computersignals into analog signals that can be transmitted over the telephonelines. Dial-up modems can be internal or external.• Digital modem — Used to send and receive data to and from a digitaltelephone line, like Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or Integrated ServicesDigital Network (ISDN).RouterA router is a device that forwards data between computer networks.The most familiar type of routers are home and small office routers thatallow you to share your internet connection between multiple devices atthe same time.Routers can be wired or wireless. A wired router allows you to connect yourcomputer using a Ethernet (RJ45) cable. Most wired home routers havefour ports allowing you to connect up to four computer to the internetat the same time. A wireless router uses Wi-Fi technology and allows youto wirelessly connect your phones, tablets, computers, and other devicesto the network. Wireless routers can connect to several devices at thesame time. For more information, see the documentation for your router.Network‑Interface Controller (NIC)Network-Interface Controllers (NIC), also referred to as network adapters orLocal-Area Network (LAN) adapters, connect to a network using an Ethernetcable. NICs can be internal (integrated to the system board) or external(expansion cards). Most new computers have integrated network adapters.Wireless Local‑Area Network (WLAN) AdapterWLAN adapters use Wi-Fi technology and allow your devices to connect toa wireless router. Your computer may have an internal (expansion cards orintegrated to the system board) or an external WLAN adapter.