User's Manual

1.About Wireless LAN Technology
A wireless network connects computers without using network cables. Computers use radio
communications to send data between each other. You can communicate directly with other
wireless computers, or connect to an existing network through a wireless access point. When
you set up your wireless adapter, you select the operating mode for the kind of wireless network
you want. You can use your Intel(R) PRO/Wireless adapter to connect to other similar wireless
devices that comply with the 802.11 standard for wireless networking.
Choosing a Wireless LAN Mode
Wireless LANs can operate with or without access points, depending on the number of users in
the network. Infrastructure mode uses access points to allow wireless computers to send and
receive information. Wireless computers transmit to the access point, the access point receives
the information and rebroadcasts it to other computers. The access point can also connect to a
wired network or to the Internet. Multiple access points can work together to provide coverage
over a wide area.
Peer-to-Peer mode, also called Ad Hoc mode, works without access points and allows wireless
computers to send information directly to other wireless computers. You can use Peer-to-Peer
mode to network computers in a home or small office or to set up a temporary wireless network
for a meeting.
Configuring a Wireless LAN
There are three basic components that must be configured for a wireless LAN to operate
properly:
• Network Name—Each wireless network uses a unique Network Name to identify the
network. This name is called the Service Set Identifier (SSID). When you set up your
wireless adapter, you specify the SSID. If you want to connect to an existing network,
you must use the name for that network. If you are setting up your own network you can
make up your own name and use it on each computer. The name can be up to 32
characters long and contain letters and numbers.
• Profiles—When you set up your computer to access a wireless network, Intel(R)
PROSet creates a profile for the wireless settings that you specify. If you want to
connect to another network, you can scan for existing networks and make a temporary
connection, or create a new profile for that network. After you create profiles, your
computer will automatically connect when you change locations.