I read in Wikipedia that Intel ME has an independent internet connection. 

But what does "independent" mean ?

Is it an independent internet connection from the OS ? 

or is it an independent internet connection from the network related devices ? 

such as: wwan card, wlan card, bluetooth module, wimax card

or maybe it has its own secret/hidden independent networking device, 

so it can connect to the internet, 

without depending on Laptop's networking device, 

such as: wwan card, wlan card, bluetooth module, wimax card ? 

regards,