Connecting to the Internet 35
Connecting Through a Wireless LAN (Option)
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 46.
The information provided in this section only applies to models equipped with
an optional wireless LAN device.
To turn off the Wireless LAN
If the wireless LAN is turned on, the computer consumes much energy,
shortening the battery using time. Therefore, if you are not using the WLAN or
if you are in an environment that does not provided WLAN, you are
recommended to turn off the WLAN by pushing the WLAN/Bluetooth button
(p14) on the computer.
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
36.
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 (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
