802.11 wireless devices (select models only)
A computer with an 802.11 wireless device can access a wireless local area network (commonly
referred to as wireless network, wireless LAN, or WLAN), which is composed of other computers and
accessories linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point:
●
A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which enables several wireless
and wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without additional
pieces of hardware or software.
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 handle a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network
functions.
802.11 wireless devices include:
●
802.11b
●
802.11b/g
●
802.11a/b/g
Computers with 802.11 wireless devices may support 1 or more of 3 industry standards:
●
802.11b supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz.
●
802.11g supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. An
802.11g WLAN device is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, so they can operate on
the same network.
●
802.11a supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 5 GHz. 802.11a is
not compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g.
For information on identifying the wireless device in the computer, refer to “
Identifying an 802.11
wireless device.”
ENWW 802.11 wireless devices (select models only) 115
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