HP Dc7100 Network & Internet Communications Guide - Page 14

Network Communications Additionally, the wireless Infrastructure can provide access to an existing wired LAN. This link allows computers on the Infrastructure wireless LAN to access the other wired LAN's resources and tools, including Internet access, email delivery, file transfer, and printer sharing. HP can provide all of the installation services you need to extend your wired LAN with a wireless LAN. In addition to the computers that will connect to a wireless network, you only need two other kinds of equipment to get your Access Point wireless network up and running: ■ Access Points: wireless transmitters that connect every user within range to the wireless LAN. You can install as many access points on your network as you need, and add new ones easily as your network grows, so you can cover an entire suite of offices with a single wireless LAN. Each access point requires two connections: ❏ A standard outlet for power ❏ An Ethernet connection to your existing wired LAN or incoming Internet connection ■ Wireless LAN cards: the wireless equivalent of a network interface card (NIC) that allow a PC to communicate with the wireless network. Many HP computers come with built-in wireless LAN cards so they are ready out of the box to connect to a wireless network. If your PC doesn't have a wireless card, you can easily add one. Refer to the Hardware Reference Guide on the Documentation CD for installation instructions. Advantages of Wireless Networking Wireless local area networking (WLAN) brings new levels of flexibility and accessibility to your business. The many advantages of wireless networking include: ■ There is no need to install labor-intensive and expensive wiring in a workplace. ■ Entire workplaces can be added or moved with minimal downtime. ■ Workers can rearrange their workplaces without being tied to a wall jack for network access. 1-10 www.hp.com Network & Internet Communications Guide