HP Mini 2102 - Manual (Page 38)

Setting up a WLAN
To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need the following equipment:
● A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from
an Internet service provider (ISP)
● A wireless router (purchased separately) (2)
● The wireless device (3)
The illustration below shows an example of a wireless network installation that is connected to the
Internet.
As your network grows, additional wireless and wired devices can be connected to the network to
access the Internet.
For help in setting up your WLAN, refer to the information provided by your router manufacturer or
your ISP.
Protecting your WLAN
It is essential to understand that because the WLAN standard was designed with only limited security
capabilities—basically to foil casual eavesdropping rather than more powerful forms of attack—
WLANs are vulnerable to well-known and well-documented security weaknesses.
WLANs in public areas, or “hotspots,” like coffee shops and airports may not provide any security.
New technologies are being developed by wireless manufacturers and hotspot service providers that
make the public environment more secure and anonymous. If you are concerned about the security of
your computer in a hotspot, limit your network activities to noncritical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.
When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect
your network from unauthorized access. The common security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access
(WPA)-Personal and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Because wireless radio signals travel outside
the network, other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected signals and either connect to your network
(uninvited) or capture information being sent across it. However, you can take precautions to protect
your WLAN:
● Use a wireless transmitter with built-in security
Many wireless base stations, gateways, or routers provide built-in security features such as
wireless security protocols and firewalls. With the correct wireless transmitter, you can protect
your network from the most common wireless security risks.
● Work behind a firewall
A firewall is a barrier that checks both data and requests for data that are sent to your network,
and discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in many varieties, both software and
hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.
● Use wireless encryption
30 Chapter 4 Internet