A terminal adapter connects a terminal to a computer local area network capable of identifying any of several terminal types by detecting the presence of a particular identifier electronic circuit specific to one type, even though the terminal does not include any such identifier circuit as standard. The terminal adapter includes first connectors for inserting the adapter between two sections of a connection between the terminal and the network and an identifier circuit specific to one type of terminal that the network is able to detect. The identifier circuit is connected to at least two conductors of a network side section of the connection.