Wireless (Select Models Only) User Guide
© Copyright 2007 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Windows is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.
Table of contents 1 Integrated wireless devices 2 Wireless controls Wireless button .................................................................................................................................... 3 Wireless Assistant software (select models only) ................................................................................ 4 Operating system controls ....................................................................................................................
iv ENWW
1 Integrated wireless devices Wireless technology makes a computer mobile by transferring data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be equipped with one or more of the following integrated wireless devices: ● Bluetooth® device—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras.
2 Wireless controls You can control the wireless devices in your computer using one of three methods: 2 ● Wireless button or wireless switch (referred to as wireless button) ● Wireless Assistant software (select models only) ● Operating system controls (setup utility) Chapter 2 Wireless controls ENWW
Wireless button The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights, depending on model. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless light is on (blue) when you turn on the computer. The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of individual devices. If the wireless light is blue, at least one wireless device is turned on.
Wireless Assistant software (select models only) When a wireless device is enabled, it can be turned on or off using the Wireless Assistant software. Once a wireless device is disabled, however, it must be enabled before it can be turned on or off using Wireless Assistant. NOTE Enabling or turning on a wireless device does not automatically connect the computer to a network or a Bluetooth-enabled device. To view the state of the wireless devices, click the Wireless Assistant icon Center.
3 Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) A Bluetooth device provides short-range wireless communications that replace the physical cable connections that traditionally link electronic devices such as ● Network access points. ● Computers (desktop, notebook, PDA). ● Phones (cellular, cordless, smart phone). ● Imaging devices (printer, camera). ● Audio devices (headset, speakers). Bluetooth devices provide peer-to-peer capability that allows you to set up a PAN of Bluetooth devices.
4 WLAN devices (select models only) With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network, which is composed of other computers and accessories linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point. NOTE The terms wireless access point and wireless router are often used interchangeably. ● A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points that can accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network functions.
Identifying a WLAN device To set up your wireless network, identify that the integrated WLAN device is installed on your computer: NOTE Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer. You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing applications, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Windows online Help for more information. 1. Select Start > Computer > System properties tab. 2.
Setting up a WLAN in your home Windows® supports WLAN with the Network and Sharing Center. To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet in your home, you need the following equipment: ● A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from an Internet service provider (ISP) ● A wireless router (purchased separately) (2) ● The wireless computer (3) The illustration below shows an example of a wireless network installation that is connected to the Internet.
Connecting to a WLAN in your home Before using a WLAN, each computer must be connected to it. To connect to a WLAN: ● Verify that the WLAN device is turned on. If it is on, the wireless light is on. If the wireless light is off, turn on the wireless device. NOTE On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are turned off. ● Verify that your router is correctly installed and configured. For instructions, refer to your router documentation or call your router manufacturer for help.
Using wireless security features When you set up a home WLAN or access an existing public WLAN, always enable security features to protect your network from unauthorized access. The most common security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)-Personal and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). When setting up a network, you should use one or more of the following security measures: ● Enable WPA-Personal or WEP security encryption on the router. ● Change the default network name (SSID) and password.
5 WWAN devices (select models only) WWAN devices enable your computer to access the Internet from more places and over larger areas than WLANs. Using a WWAN device requires a network service provider, which in most cases will be a mobile phone network operator. Coverage for WWAN is similar to the mobile phone voice coverage.
Index B Bluetooth device 5 C corporate WLAN connection 9 H home setup of WLAN 8 I Internet connection setup 8 P public WLAN connection 9 S security wireless 10 W wireless button 2 wireless controls button 2 light 2 wireless device wireless network 1 wireless light 2 wireless network description 1 wireless network (WLAN) corporate WLAN connection 9 equipment needed 8 functional range 9 home connection 9 public WLAN connection 9 security 10 WLAN 6 See also wireless network WWAN 11 See also wireless netwo
