Wi-Fi andBluetoothtop the list, but a few offer wireless cellular modems or Ethernet ports.
The modern market is standardized to a significant degree.
As recently as the mid-2010s, different devices offered more variation than today.
Javier Encinas / Moment / Getty Images
Wi-Fi Networking
Wi-Fi is the standard for wireless connectivity.
When you see 802.11, you’re looking atthe Wi-Fi standard.
Current hardware uses the 802.11ax protocol.
A Wi-Fi connection is only as fast as the oldest and slowest 802.11 protocol supported between therouterand the laptop.
A router that transmits using 802.11ax maxes at 10 Gbps of throughput.
Some low-budget laptops and some refurbished models use older Wi-Fi radios.
Check the specs before you buy if maximizing speed and reliability are important use cases for your new laptop.
Some of the Microsoft Surface lines, for example, include optional5Gmodems.
Older laptops and some laptops designed specifically for enterprise markets includeEthernetconnections.
Buy an Ethernet-to-USB dongle to provide a wired connection on devices that lack a dedicated Ethernet port.
