Laptop User Manual

Setting Up and Using Networks 89

Start your computer and wait until the boot process completes.

See the documentation that came with your wireless router to do the

following in order to set up the wireless router:

• Establish communication between your computer and your wireless

router.

• Configure your wireless router to communicate with your broadband

router.

• Find out your wireless router’s broadcast name. The technical term for

the name of your router’s broadcast name is Service Set Identifier

(SSID) or network name.

If necessary, configure your wireless network card to connect to the wireless

network (see "Connecting to a WLAN" on page 89).

Connecting to a WLAN

NOTE: Before you connect to a WLAN, ensure that you have followed the

instructions in "Wireless Local Area Network" on page 86.

NOTE: The following networking instructions do not apply to internal cards with

Bluetooth

wireless technology or cellular products.

This section provides general procedures for connecting to a network using

wireless technology. Specific network names and configuration details vary.

See "Wireless Local Area Network" on page 86 for more information about

how to prepare for connecting your computer to a WLAN.

Your wireless network card requires specific software and drivers for

connecting to a network. The software is already installed.

NOTE: If the software is removed or corrupted, follow the instructions in the user

documentation for your wireless network card. Verify the type of wireless network

card installed in your computer and then search for that name on the Dell™ Support

website at support.dell.com. For information on the type of wireless network card

that is installed in your computer, see "Checking Your Wireless Network Card" on

page 87.

When you turn on your computer and a network (for which your computer is

not configured) is detected in the area, a pop-up appears near the network

icon in the Windows notification area.