Gateway MT6723 8512216 - Gateway Notebook User Guide R1 - Page 56

Using an access point, Equipment you need for an access point-based network, Access point

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CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook Speed is not the only issue if you decide to use equipment with different standards. Compatibility can also be an issue. Take the following into consideration when you purchase wireless equipment: Access point Wireless cards supported 802.11a 802.11a only 802.11b 802.11b only 802.11g 802.11b and 802.11g 802.11n 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n Using an access point An access point is a small electronic device that serves as the central control point for your network. You connect your modem to the access point, set up a network connection, then browse the Internet, send e-mail, share files and folders with other networked computers, and access other devices, like a printer or scanner. Cable or DSL modem Access point Equipment you need for an access point-based network Tip When you buy your access point, make sure it has: • IEEE 802.11n support. 802.11n is the fastest method for wireless communications. 802.11n is compatible with the older IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11b formats but not with the competing IEEE 802.11a format. Make sure that you get the correct format that matches your computer. • DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment capability that makes it easier to set up and access your network. • Internet security features like a firewall to keep intruders out of your network. • Wireless security features like SecureEasySetup™ or 128-bit WEP encryption. For a wireless Ethernet network you need: • Your Gateway computer with a wireless Ethernet network card installed • A broadband Internet connection (optional) • An access point Determining if a wireless Ethernet device is already installed on your computer To determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer: 1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 2 Click System and Maintenance, then click System. 3 Click Device Manager from the task list on the left. The Device Manager window opens. 4 Click the plus (+) in front of Network adapters. The wireless Ethernet device installed in your computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one. 50

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CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook
50
Speed is not the only issue if you decide to use equipment with different standards. Compatibility
can also be an issue. Take the following into consideration when you purchase wireless
equipment:
Using an access point
An access point is a small electronic device that serves as the central control point for your
network. You connect your modem to the access point, set up a network connection, then browse
the Internet, send e-mail, share files and folders with other networked computers, and access
other devices, like a printer or scanner.
Equipment you need for an access point-based network
For a wireless Ethernet network you need:
Your Gateway computer with a wireless Ethernet network card installed
A broadband Internet connection (optional)
An access point
Determining if a wireless Ethernet device is already installed on your computer
To determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer:
1
Click
Start
, then click
Control Panel
. The
Control Panel
window opens.
2
Click
System and Maintenance
, then click
System
.
3
Click
Device Manager
from the task list on the left. The
Device Manager
window opens.
4
Click the plus (+) in front of
Network adapters
. The wireless Ethernet device installed in
your computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.
Access point
Wireless cards supported
802.11a
802.11a only
802.11b
802.11b only
802.11g
802.11b and 802.11g
802.11n
802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n
Tip
When you buy your access point, make sure it has:
IEEE 802.11n support. 802.11n is the fastest method for wireless communications. 802.11n is compatible with the
older IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11b formats but not with the competing IEEE 802.11a format. Make sure that you
get the correct format that matches your computer.
DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment capability that makes it easier to set up and access your network.
Internet security features like a firewall to keep intruders out of your network.
Wireless security features like SecureEasySetup™ or 128-bit WEP encryption.
Cable or DSL modem
Access point