Connecting to the Internet 65
Connecting Through a Wireless LAN (Optional)
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. When a computer-to
computer network has been established, a computer that is not connected to the Internet
can share the Internet by accessing another computer connected to the Internet. For
details, see “Sharing Internet Access” on page 77.
The description in this section refers to the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
Network Connection (hereafter referred to as an 802.11ABG card) device.
A wireless LAN card is optional. The model of the wireless LAN card is
determined by the relevant product.
To view the installed wireless LAN card, click Start > Control Panel >
Performance and Maintenance > System > Hardware tab > Device Manager.
The wireless LAN connection settings will be described on the basis of the
Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed computer.
It is recommended using the default settings provided by Windows XP for the
wireless LAN settings for Windows XP installed computers.
To setup using the software supplied by the wireless LAN card manufacturer,
refer to "Wireless Network Setup Using the Wireless LAN Setup Program"
(p71).
To use a wireless network, you have to turn the wireless LAN function on by
using the Wireless LAN latch.
(
p4
)
Wireless network connections can be classified into two categories.
1) Access Point (AP)
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
66.
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.
