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Reference · 2 min read

Network interface layers in Windows

Windows networking uses defined interfaces between protocol components and the software that manages adapters. NDIS is an important part of this arrangement, allowing common networking functions to work across many different hardware implementations.

How the pieces connect

Adapter-facing components present a standardized interface while handling the details of a particular device. Other components can participate in filtering or protocol processing above that boundary. The architecture separates the network medium from many higher-level tasks, so an application does not need separate implementations for every Ethernet or wireless controller it encounters.

An everyday example

Changing from a wired connection to a wireless one can leave an application's basic socket operations unchanged. The underlying adapter path changed, but the operating-system abstraction preserved the application's way of expressing communication. Additional filtering components may still inspect or manage traffic along either path according to the system's configuration.

Reading the information in context

An interface version is not a measurement of internet speed or a guarantee of a specific wireless capability. Hardware, operating-system release, and installed components must be considered together. This page describes the layering rather than recommending adjustments to network bindings. For a model's operating systems that receive device assistance, use the reference compatibility information associated with that exact adapter.

Reading map: Network interface layers in WindowsFirst 3 topics in reading order: How the pieces connect; An everyday example; Reading the information in context. Each topic links to its section or page.INSIDE THIS PAGENetwork interface layers in Windows1How the pieces connect1 paragraph2An everyday example1 paragraph3Reading the informationin context1 paragraph

Network & Wi-Fi

Note these before you change anything

Useful facts to have to hand while reading about network interface layers in windows.

  • Adapter name and driver version
  • Whether other devices on the same network work
  • IP configuration shown in the system's network details
  • Power-saving settings on the adapter

Network & Wi-Fi: Sending data (simplified; replies return the same way)

  1. Applicationopens a connection
  2. Network stackTCP/IP and name lookup
  3. Adapter driverWi-Fi or Ethernet
  4. Network adapterradio or port
  5. Routerand the wider network
Conceptual schematic of a selected path, not every request. Shown in one direction; the reverse direction uses related layers. Real systems add services, filter drivers and firmware not shown. Highlighted: the layer a driver change affects.

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