HP Mini 2102 - Manual (Page 35)

Using the wireless action key
The computer has a wireless action key ( f12 ), one or more wireless devices, and one wireless light.
All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory.
The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of
individual devices. If the wireless light is white, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light
is off, all wireless devices are off.
Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless action key ( f12 ) to
turn on or turn off all of the wireless devices simultaneously. Individual wireless devices can be
controlled through the Control Center or the Setup Utility.
NOTE: If the wireless devices are disabled, the wireless action key will not work until you reenable
your devices. Check the Setup Utility to be sure that the appropriate device is enabled, and then
check Network Manager by right-clicking the Network icon in the notification area, at the far right of
the taskbar.
If WLAN and Bluetooth are integrated on one card (select models only), the wireless action key
enables or disables both devices.
Using operating system controls
To enable or disable a wireless and/or wired network device, right click the Network Connection
icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. To enable one of the following devices,
select the check box from the menu option. To disable the device, clear the check box.
● Enable Networking (wired networking device)
● Enable Wireless
Using a WLAN
With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of
other devices and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.
NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably.
● A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points
that can accommodate a large number of devices and accessories and can separate critical
network functions.
● A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and
wired devices to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional
pieces of hardware or software.
To use the WLAN device in your computer, you must connect to a WLAN infrastructure (provided
through a service provider or a public or corporate network).
Connecting to a wireless network 27