Protocols and Interfaces Protocols and interfaces are related topics, and are a key consideration when evaluating wireless networks. In many cases, the mobile computer functions as a remote node of the network you are accessing -- the Internet or a corporate intranet. If the wireless network uses the same networking protocols as the fixed-end network, connections are more streamlined, and routers can interconnect the wireless network to the fixed-end network. Otherwise, some form of gateway will be required to translate between different network protocols. For circuit-switched connections this is less of a concern because the wireless connection is essentially a Layer 1 (phy