Introduction Main section Network adapter Types of network protocols

Virtual Network Adapters

Certain types of network adapters have no hardware component but consist of software only. These are often called "virtual adapters" because they don't have a physical, hardware component. Virtual adapters are commonly found in virtual private networks (VPNs). Research computers or IT servers that run virtual machine technology may also use them.

Conclusion

The network adapter is an essential component in both wired and wireless computer networking. Adapters interface a computing device (including computers, print servers, and game consoles) to the communication network. Most network adapters are small pieces of physical hardware, although software-only virtual adapters also exist. Sometimes you have to buy a network adapter separately. Often, however, the adapter is already part of a device, especially if it's newer. Installing a network adapter is not difficult and often is a simple "plug and play" feature of the computer operating system.

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