HP Mini 1103 - Manual (Page 35)

Connecting to a wireless network
Using wireless devices
Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be
equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:
● Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless local area
networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate offices,
your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and universities.
In a WLAN, each mobile wireless device communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access
point.
● HP Mobile Broadband Module (select models only)—A wireless wide area network (WWAN) device
that provides access to information wherever mobile network operator service is available. In a
WWAN, each mobile device communicates to a mobile network operator’s base station. Mobile
network operators install networks of base stations (similar to cell phone towers) throughout large
geographic areas, effectively providing coverage across entire states, regions, or even countries.
● Bluetooth® device—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled
devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras. In a PAN, each
device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be relatively close together—
typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.
The computer supports the following IEEE industry standards:
● 802.11b, the first popular standard, supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps and operates at a
frequency of 2.4 GHz.
● 802.11g supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. An 802.11g
WLAN device is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, so they can operate on the same
network.
For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided in
Help and Support.
Identifying wireless and network icons
Icon Name Description
Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless light and the wireless
action key on the computer. Also identifies the Wireless
Assistant software on the computer and indicates that one or
more of the wireless devices are on.
Wireless (disconnected) Identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the computer
and indicates that all of the wireless devices are off.
Wired network (connected) Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are
installed and one or more network devices are connected to
the network.
Wired network (disabled/disconnected) Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are
installed, all network devices or all wireless devices are
disabled in Windows Control Panel, and no network devices
are connected to a wired network.
Connecting to a wireless network 27