HP nw8240 Hardware and Software Guide - Page 146

Wireless (Select Models Only) Wireless Local Area Network (Select Models Only) With the 802.11 wireless device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other computers and accessories linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point. ■ A large scale WLAN, such as a corporate WLAN or public WLAN hotspot typically use wireless access points, which can handle 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 enables several wireless and wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without additional pieces of hardware or software. "Wireless access point" and "wireless router" are often used interchangeably. Notebooks with 802.11 WLAN may support one or more of three IEEE physical layer standards: ■ 802.11a ■ 802.11b ■ 802.11g Hardware and Software Guide 11-3