Dell Latitude 120L - Manual (Page 49)

A WLAN is a series of interconnected computers that communicate over the air waves as if they were connected with cables. In a WLAN, a radio
communications device called an access point or wireless router connects network computers and provides Internet, or network, access. The access point or
wireless router and the wireless network card in the computer communicate by broadcasting data from their antennas over the air waves.
What You Need to Establish a WLAN
Before you can set up a WLAN, you need:
l High-speed (broadband) Internet access (such as cable or DSL)
l A broadband modem that is connected and working
l A wireless router or access point
l A wireless network card for each computer that you want to connect to your WLAN
l Network cable with the network (RJ-45) connector
Checking Your Wireless Network Card
Depending on what you selected when you purchased your computer, the computer has a variety of configurations. To confirm that your computer has a
wireless network card and to determine the type of card, use one of the following:
l The Start button and the Connect To option
l Microsoft® Windows® Help and Support Center
l Your original computer invoice
Start Button and Connect To Option
1. Click the Start button.
2. Point to Connect To, and then click Show all connections.
If Wireless Network Connection does not appear under LAN or High-Speed Internet, you may not have a wireless network card.
If Wireless Network Connection appears, you have a wireless network card. To view detailed information about the wireless network card:
1. Right-click Wireless Network Connection.
2. Click Properties. The Wireless Network Connection Properties window appears. The wireless network card's name and model number are listed on
the General tab.
Microsoft® Windows® Help and Support Center
1. Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2. Under Pick a task, click Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems.
3. Under Tools, click My Computer Information, and then select Find information about the hardware installed on this computer.
On the My Computer Information - Hardware screen, you can view the type of wireless network card installed in your computer as well as other
hardware components.
Computer Invoice
The original invoice that came with your computer lists the hardware and software that shipped with your computer.
Setting Up a New WLAN
NOTE: If your computer is set to the Classic Start menu option, you can view network connections by clicking the Start button, pointing to Settings,
and then pointing to Network Connections. If Wireless Network Connection does not appear, you may not have a wireless network card.
NOTE: The wireless network card is listed under Network Card.