Dell Latitude D410 User Manual

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Contents

Dell Latitude D410 User Manual Manual pdf 101 page image

Back to Contents PageWireless Local Area NetworkDell™ Latitude™ D410 User's GuideOverviewConnecting to a Wireless Local Area NetworkOverviewA WLAN is a series of interconnected computers that communicate with each other over the air waves rather than through a network cable connected to eachcomputer. 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 airwaves.What You Need to Establish a WLAN ConnectionBefore 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 workingl A wireless router or access pointl A wireless network card for each computer that you want to connect to your WLANl A network cable with the network (RJ-45) connectorChecking Your Wireless Network CardDepending on what you selected when you purchased your computer, the computer has a variety of configurations. To confirm that your computer has awireless network card and to determine the type of card, use one of the following:l The Start button and the Connect To optionl The order confirmation for your computerStart Button and Connect To Option1. 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 onthe General tab.The Order Confirmation for Your ComputerThe order confirmation that you received when you ordered your computer lists the hardware and software that shipped with your computer.Setting Up a New WLANConnecting a Wireless Router and a Broadband ModemNOTE: 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.