What part of a desktop PC deals with the internet connection?

[raspyDesperado415]

I'm not too computer savvy, and was just wondering what part of the computer deals with the internet. Can you make your internet connection faster by buying a better or faster one?

[Peter B]

Your ethernet adapter deals with the actual connection, whether it be wireless or hard wired. Wired you can't really help, aside from getting a better internet provider. Wireless can be helped some, based on what type of wireless adapter you use.

[Charles]

LAN (local area Network) is the connection. Up-grading your internet will definitely help (to a certain point). CABLE connections are faster than wireless, for gaming purposes.

[Ben]

Depends. If you have a wired connection, you're looking at the ethernet (RJ-45) jack. Most of them are 100 Mbps or 1000Mpbs and I sincerely doubt your Internet connection is anywhere near that fast (a really good connection will be about 25 Mbps). If you have a wireless connection, you might check on the network card. The old 802.11B standard has a maximum of 11Mbps. The newer 802.11G standard has a max of 54Mbps, plus a longer range. The not-yet-finished-but-still-available 802.11N standard has a max of 270Mbps and a huge range.

Realistically though, the only way to significantly speed up the Internet connection is to purchase more bandwidth from your ISP.

[Erin]

The NIC (network interface card) handles that, but unless you're using one from 1985, it shouldn't be hindering your net speeds. You should look at your modem, your router, your firewall software, and your ISP first.

[nightdriver09]

Mainly:
1) Memory (RAM- if youve heard about it) - a system with low memory will perform slowly, even with other programs that you use.
2) Processor(Intel, AMD stuff ) - a low processing speed is also a factor
3) Internet connection speed - if all other applications in your pc perform well in your pc and they do not rely on internet to function, then it maybe that your internet connection is the culprit. Check with your ISP provider and/or get an upgrade.