Networking is a general term used to describe the capabilities of a machine to interact with other machines. Most laptops come equipped with a 10/100 network jack built into the laptop. A 10/100 network jack is able to transfer information at speeds of 10 or 100 megabits per second. There are 8 bits in a byte so the transfer of a 100 Mbps connection is 12.5 megabytes per second. Our campus uses an 11 Mpbs Wireless connection. A wireless network connection is mandatory for all student to be able to use the network offered by E. B. L A. while in the classrooms.

Almost all laptops come with a modem built in for dial up purposes as well. E. B. L A. does not use a modem or dial-up connection on campus. The modem is only recommended for students who access the Internet through a dial-up connection while off campus. A typical modem operates at 56K, or 56 Kilobytes per second.

Some newer laptops offer wireless networking, which allows a machine to connect to the network using radio signals. Connecting in this way eliminates the need for a network cable. E. B. L A. offers an 802.11b wireless network for all students to use. Any wireless card can be configured to use this connection.