Fujitsu FPCM20654, User Manual

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W i r e l e s s L A N U s e r ’ s G u i d e
Access Point (Infrastructure) Mode
(See Figure A-2)
Infrastructure mode refers to a wireless network archi-
tecture in which devices communicate with wireless or
wired network devices by communicating through an
Access Point. In infrastructure mode, wireless devices
can communicate with each other or can communicate
with a wired network. Corporate wireless networks
operate in infrastructure mode because they require
access to the wired LAN in order to access computers,
devices, and services such as file servers, printers, and
databases.
How to Handle This Device
The WLAN device comes pre-installed in your mobile
computer. Under normal circumstances, it should not
be necessary for you to remove or re-install it. The
Operating System that your mobile computer comes
with has been pre-configured to support the WLAN
device.
WIRELESS NETWORK CONSIDERATIONS
■
The WLAN devices support IEEE 802.11a, IEEE
802.11b and IEEE 802.11g.
■
The WLAN devices operate in the 2.4GHz ISM band
and the 5 GHz lower, middle, and upper UNII bands.
■
The maximum range of the WLAN device indoors is
typically 80 feet (25 meters). Please note that the max-
imum range you achieve may be shorter or longer
than 80 feet, depending on factors such as access point
transmit power, number and density of obstructions,
or external RF interference.
■
Microwave ovens will interfere with the operation of
WLAN device as microwave ovens operate in the same
2.4GHz frequency range that IEEE 802.11b/g devices
operate in. Interference by microwaves does not occur
with IEEE 802.11a radio which operates in the 5 GHz
RF band.
■
Wireless devices that transmit in the 2.4GHz fre-
quency range may interfere with the operation of
WLAN devices in IEEE 802.11b/g modes. Symptoms
of interference include reduced throughput, intermit-
tent disconnects, and large amounts of frame errors. It
is HIGHLY recommended that these interfering
devices be powered off to ensure the proper operation
of the WLAN device.
DEACTIVATING THE WLAN DEVICE
Deactivation of the WLAN device may be desired in
certain circumstances (to extend battery life) or where
certain environments require it (i.e. hospitals, clinics,
airplanes, etc.). Fujitsu mobile computers employ two
methods with which to deactivate the WLAN device:
■
Using the Wireless On/Off Switch
■
In Windows, using the Intel PROSet Software or
Atheros Client Utility software.
Figure A-2. Access Point (Infrastructure) Mode Network
ADSL modem,
cable modem,
or similar
Internet
Wired LAN
Access Point*
Wireless LAN
*An optional hub for a wired
LAN may be required depending
upon the type of access point used.
P Series.book Page 87 Friday, February 17, 2006 11:09 AM