What is a network adapter typically used for?

A network adapter is primarily used to connect a device to a network. This hardware component allows computers, laptops, or other devices to communicate with each other and access network resources, including the Internet. Network adapters can be integrated into the device itself or available as separate cards or USB devices. They translate data into a format that can be transmitted over the network, enabling seamless communication and data exchange.

Improving internet speed, storing data, and managing network traffic, although related to networking, are not the primary functions of a network adapter. While a network adapter can affect the speed of a connection based on its capabilities, this is not its main purpose. Storing data is the function of storage devices, and managing network traffic typically falls under the role of network routers or switches, not the adapters themselves. Thus, the fundamental role of a network adapter is specifically about establishing network connectivity.