26 Users Manual
Configuring Network Environment Settings for Wireless LAN
A wireless network (Wireless LAN) environment is a network environment that
enables communication between multiple computers at home or a small-size office
through wireless LAN devices.
Using the wireless network connections between the systems, you can use normal
network functions such as sharing of files, folders and printers. Using computer-to-
computer network (ad hoc) connections, you can access the Internet through a
computer connected directly to the Internet even if your computer is not directly
connected to the Internet. For details, see “Using Network Services” on page 35.
The information provided in this section only applies to models equipped with
an optional wireless LAN device.
Wireless network connections can be classified into two categories.
1) Access Point
You can connect to an AP to use the network. This is possible only in an environment
equipped with an AP. For details, see “Connecting to an Access Point (AP)” on page
27.
What is an Access Point (AP)?
An AP is a network device that bridges wired and wireless LANs, and
corresponds to a wireless hub in a wired network. You can connect multiple
wireless LAN installed computers to an AP.
2) Computer-to-computer (peer-to-peer or ad hoc)
This is also called a peer-to-peer or ad hoc network.
In computer-to-computer wireless networks, you can wirelessly connect 2 or more
computers that have wireless LAN modules. Using computer-to-computer wireless
networks, you can access the Internet through a computer that is connected to the
Internet even if your computer is not directly connected to the Internet. For details, see
“Connecting to computer-to-computer networks (peer-to-peer or ad hoc)” on page 28.
