Connecting to wireless local area networks, Determining your network type – Dell Inspiron 8500 User Manual
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Setting Up a Home and Office Network
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Connecting to Wireless Local Area
Networks
NOTE: These networking
instructions do not apply
to Bluetooth or cellular
products.
Before you can connect to a wireless Local Area Network (LAN), you must
have specific information about your network. Be sure to get the name of
your wireless network along with any special security settings from your
network administrator. These settings are unique to your network and
cannot be provided by Dell.
Determining your Network Type
NOTE: Most wireless
networks are the
infrastructure type.
Consult your network
administrator if you are
unsure of the type of
network you are
connecting to.
Wireless networks fall into two categories — infrastructure networks and
ad-hoc networks. An infrastructure network uses routers or access points to
connect several computers together. An ad-hoc network does not use routers
or access points and consists of computers that broadcast to one another.
Ad-Hoc Network
Infrastructure Network