User's Manual

136
Chapter 12: Networking Your Notebook
www.gateway.com
Broadband Internet connections
You can use your computer’s Ethernet or USB jack for more than just
networking. Many broadband Internet connections, such as cable modems
and DSL modems, connect to your computer’s Ethernet or USB jack. Typically,
if one computer is connected to the Internet, other networked computers can
access the Internet through the shared Internet connection. A broadband,
versus dial-up, connection adds speed and an “always on” connection to your
home network.
Wireless Connections
Instead of connecting your computers with wires, you can consider a wireless
networks. Wireless Ethernet is ideal for creating a home or office network.
Wireless Ethernet
A wireless Ethernet network (also known as IEEE 802.11b or WiFi) exceeds
the speed of either HPNA 2.0 or standard Ethernet. In addition, this type of
network allows you the freedom to move about your home or office with your
computer. For example, you can take your notebook computer from your
home office to your patio without having a telephone or Ethernet jack
available.
Warning Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere
with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation
regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while
traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11b (also known as
wireless Ethernet or WiFi) communication devices are
examples of devices that provide wireless communication.
Important If your system came equipped with an internal radio
frequency wireless device, see “Safety, Regulatory, and
Legal Information” on page 221 for general wireless
regulatory and safety guidelines. To find out if your system
has an internal wireless device, check the label (see
“Identifying your model” on page 9).