HP ProBook 5220m HP ProBook Notebook PC User Guide - Windows XP - Page 28

Using operating system controls, Using a WLAN device, Setting up a WLAN

Page 28 highlights

Using operating system controls Some operating systems also offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless connection. For example, Windows® Network Connections allows you to set up a connection, connect to a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair connections. To access Network Connections, click Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections > Network Connections. For more information, refer to Help and Support. Click Start > Help and Support. Using a WLAN device With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point. NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably. ● A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points that can accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network functions. ● A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional pieces of hardware or software. NOTE: To use the WLAN device in your computer, you must connect to a WLAN infrastructure (provided through a service provider or a public or corporate network). Setting up a WLAN To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need the following equipment: ● A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from an Internet service provider (ISP) ● A wireless router (purchased separately) (2) ● The wireless computer (3) The illustration below shows an example of a wireless network installation that is connected to the Internet. As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to access the Internet. For help in setting up your WLAN, refer to the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP. 16 Chapter 2 Wireless, local area network, and modem

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • 41
  • 42
  • 43
  • 44
  • 45
  • 46
  • 47
  • 48
  • 49
  • 50
  • 51
  • 52
  • 53
  • 54
  • 55
  • 56
  • 57
  • 58
  • 59
  • 60
  • 61
  • 62
  • 63
  • 64
  • 65
  • 66
  • 67
  • 68
  • 69
  • 70
  • 71
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
  • 75
  • 76
  • 77
  • 78
  • 79
  • 80
  • 81
  • 82
  • 83
  • 84
  • 85
  • 86
  • 87
  • 88
  • 89
  • 90
  • 91
  • 92
  • 93
  • 94
  • 95
  • 96
  • 97
  • 98
  • 99
  • 100
  • 101
  • 102
  • 103
  • 104
  • 105
  • 106
  • 107
  • 108
  • 109
  • 110
  • 111
  • 112
  • 113
  • 114
  • 115
  • 116
  • 117
  • 118
  • 119
  • 120
  • 121
  • 122
  • 123
  • 124
  • 125
  • 126
  • 127
  • 128
  • 129
  • 130
  • 131
  • 132
  • 133
  • 134
  • 135
  • 136
  • 137
  • 138
  • 139
  • 140
  • 141
  • 142
  • 143
  • 144
  • 145

Using operating system controls
Some operating systems also offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless
connection. For example, Windows® Network Connections allows you to set up a connection, connect
to a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair connections.
To access Network Connections, click
Start
>
Control Panel
>
Network and Internet Connections
>
Network Connections
.
For more information, refer to Help and Support. Click
Start
>
Help and Support
.
Using a WLAN device
With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other
computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.
NOTE:
The terms
wireless router
and
wireless access point
are often used interchangeably.
A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points
that can accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical
network functions.
A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and
wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional
pieces of hardware or software.
NOTE:
To use the WLAN device in your computer, you must connect to a WLAN infrastructure
(provided through a service provider or a public or corporate network).
Setting up a WLAN
To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need the following equipment:
A broadband modem (either DSL or cable)
(1)
and high-speed Internet service purchased from an
Internet service provider (ISP)
A wireless router (purchased separately)
(2)
The wireless computer
(3)
The illustration below shows an example of a wireless network installation that is connected to the
Internet.
As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to
access the Internet.
For help in setting up your WLAN, refer to the information provided by your router manufacturer or your
ISP.
16
Chapter 2
Wireless, local area network, and modem