Compaq Presario CQ50-200 Wireless Setup Guide - Page 7

Learn more As millions of users purchase wireless computers, PDAs, and printers for home and small-office networks, wireless resources are expanding worldwide. Resources to enhance your wireless user experience are located on the HP Web site at http://www.hp.com/go/wireless, on the Documentation CD included with the computer, and at a variety of other Internet Web sites, including: ■ wireless.com ■ pcworld.com ■ searchnetworking.com ■ wireless.pcmag.com ■ wi-fi.org ■ cooltown.com Comparison of Wireless LAN (WLAN) Technology Standards WLAN Technology Standard 802.11a 802.11b (largest user base) 802.11g Maximum Data Speed 54 Mbps 11 Mbps 54 Mbps DID YOU KNOW... 802.11 is a wireless standard that specifies an "over-the-air" interface using high-frequency radio waves between wireless devices. Radio Frequency 5 GHz 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz Range 25 to 75 feet Compatibility with Not compatible with Other WLAN Standards 802.11b or 802.11g Public Access Compatible with 802.11a hotspots Limited availability Interference Issues 5-GHz cordless phones Over 150 feet 802.11g 100 to 150 feet 802.11b Compatible with 802.11b hotspots Broadest availability Compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g hotspots Common availability Microwave ovens, 2.4-GHz Microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth® 2.4-GHz cordless phones What Is? static IP address-A fixed address assigned to a computer or device that is connected to a network. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)-A network protocol for transmitting data packets within a network. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)-A type of wireless security provided by Wi-Fi, based on number-sequence encryption. Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity)-The name for 802.11 wireless network technology that indicates interoperability among 802.11 products. wireless LAN (WLAN)-A system of connecting computers and other devices within the same physical proximity for sharing resources such as an Internet connection, printers, files, and drives. The network uses high-frequency radio waves rather than wires to communicate among wireless devices. wireless router-An all-in-one wireless communication device that includes a wireless access point and may include an Ethernet hub and other features. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)-A specificationbased, interoperable wireless security feature for which a pass phrase (password) is required. 7