8 Wireless
About integrated wireless devices
Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be
equipped with a wireless local area network (WLAN) device. This device connects the computer to
wireless local area networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in
corporate offices, your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels,
and universities. In a WLAN, each mobile wireless device communicates with a wireless router or a
wireless access point.
Using wireless controls
You can control the wireless devices in your computer by using these methods:
● Wireless button
● Operating system controls
Using the wireless button
The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and two wireless lights. All of the
wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless light is on (white) 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 white, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light
is amber, all wireless devices are off.
Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless button to turn on or
turn off the wireless devices simultaneously.
Using operating system controls
Some operating systems also offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless
connection. For more information, refer to the user guide for your operating system.
Using WLAN
With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network, which is composed of other
computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.
NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point 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.
● A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and
wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional
pieces of hardware or software.
About integrated wireless devices 39
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