Many people do not take notice of the last word in the description of the network interface. I would probably fall into that same group of people if my job did not include supporting Intel? Ethernet adapters. Nevertheless, an important difference exists between the device names that end in adapter compared to names ending in connection.

Intel makes both server adatper and integrated circuits used for building Ethernet connections into a computer motherboard. You can tell if your Ethernet connection is built in or not from the name. No matter whether you plug your cable into a network connection or a network adapter, the connection works the same. Knowing whether you have an adapter or a built-in connection can be useful if you need support help or want to update your drivers.

If you see “Adapter” in the name then the devices can be added and removed from connectors on the computer motherboard. Intel? Gigabit CT Desktop Adapter and Intel? PRO/1000 MT Server Adapter are examples of adapters.

When you look at Windows* Device Manager under network adapters, you might find an Intel? Network Connection on the list. Intel network connections are built into the computer by the manufacturer and are not customer removable. Network connections are based on Intel? Ethernet controllers or Intel? Ethernet PHYs paired with Intel? I/O Controller Hubs (ICH). Intel? PRO/1000 CT Network Connection and Intel? 82566DM Network Connection are examples of built-in Ethernet connections.

So how does knowing whether you have an adapter or a built-in connection help when you need to contact support? For built-in connections you should always go to the computer manufacturer for help and driver updates. Each manufacturer knows their computer designs best and is the best source for driver updates that work with your computer.

If you bought your computer with an Intel network adapter already installed, the computer manufacturer is still your best bet when you need to contact someone for support or want updated drivers. Many preinstalled adapters are OEM versions, which are supported by the computer builders instead of by Intel. As a last resort, the driver downloads on intel.com will work with most, but not all, of the OEM network adapters and network connections.

If you bought a boxed Intel network adapter then Intel customer support is ready to assist you if you need help. We have a support site for network adapters with answers to many of your questions along with the latest drivers available to download and install.

When I search the Internet for any parts to add to my computer, I often find parts on sale at steeply discounted prices. If I buy from a discount seller, I might not be getting a retail part, or worse, I might be getting a counterfeit. Buying from an authorized retailer is a good strategy for avoiding counterfeit parts.

Counterfeit products are a problem in many industries. You might think of counterfeit products as something sold on a street table or in a flea market, but plenty of these knock offs are sold online.

Sometimes you might encounter counterfeit ethernet adapter labeled as Intel adapters. Counterfeit Ethernet adapters tend to be manufactured as cheaply as possible. The counterfeiters are not worried if the adapter will fail to work when you install it, perform poorly, or break after a short time. You might not find out that your adapter is a counterfeit until after the adapter fails, and you try to return it for a replacement.

If you have a counterfeit, there is no one to turn to when you encounter problems. The bargain can turn out to cost you more than a genuine adapter when you take into account the cost of buying a replacement, suffering from poor performance, or being without a working network connection.

Fortunately, network adapter finding a source for genuine parts is not difficult. Retail versions of genuine Intel? Ethernet adapters are sold through authorized retailers and supported by Intel Customer Support. If something goes wrong with the Ethernet adapter because of a manufacturing defect, buyers are covered by Intel’s limited lifetime hardware warranty. Software and driver updates are regularly available from Intel Download Center.

In short, if you want to have the peace of mind from knowing the adapter will work as expected, along with the limited lifetime hardware warranty and access to Intel Customer Support, then your best bet is to buy from an authorized retailer.