Fujitsu B3020D Before Using the Wireless LAN, Wireless LAN Modes Using this Device, Ad Hoc Mode

L i f e B o o k B S e r i e s N o t e b o o k - A p p e n d i x

Before Using the Wireless LAN

This manual describes the procedures required to prop- erly setup and configure the integrated Wireless LAN Mini-PCI device (referred to as "WLAN device" in the rest of the manual). Before using the WLAN device, read this manual carefully to ensure it's correct operation. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.

Wireless LAN Devices Covered by this Document

This document is applicable to systems containing one of the following two devices. Most of the procedures are identical. Sections that differ between the two devices have been noted in the text:

■Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Mini-PCI wireless network card

■Atheros AR5002x or AR5002g Mini-PCI wireless network card

Characteristics of the WLAN Device

■The WLAN device is a Mini-PCI card attached to the mainboard of the mobile computer.

■It is a dual-band radio that operates in two license-free RF bands, therefore eliminating the need to procure an FCC license to operate. It operates in the 2.4GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) RF band. Additionally, the Atheros device operates in the lower and middle bands of the 5GHz Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII) bands.

■The Atheros WLAN is capable of three operating modes, IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b and IEEE802.11g, wireless LAN standards governed by the IEEE (Insti- tute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers). The Intel WLAN is capable of two operating modes, IEEE802.11b and IEEE802.11g.

■Encoding of data is modulated using Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Complementary Code Keying (CCK) when the WLAN device is operating in IEEE 802.11b mode and Orthogonal Frequency Divi- sion Multiplexing (OFDM) when operating in IEEE802.11a or IEEE802.11g mode.

■The WLAN device is Wi-Fi certified and operates at the maximum data transfer rate of 54 Mbps in IEEE802.11a or IEEE802.11g mode and 11 Mbps in IEEE802.11b mode.

■The maximum communication range indoors is approximately 80 feet (25 meters). However, that range will increase or decrease depending on factors such as number of walls, reflective material, or inter- ference from external RF sources.

■The WLAN device supports the following encryption methods - WEP, TKIP, and AES encryption.

WIRELESS LAN MODES USING THIS DEVICE

Ad Hoc Mode

(See Figure A-1)

"Ad Hoc Mode" refers to a wireless network architecture where wireless network connectivity between multiple computers is established without a central wireless network device, typically known as Access Point(s). Connectivity is accomplished using only client devices in a peer-to-peer fashion. That is why Ad Hoc networks are also known as peer-to-peer networks. Ad Hoc networks are an easy and inexpensive method for establishing network connectivity between multiple computers.

Ad Hoc mode requires that the SSID, network authenti- cation, and encryption key settings are identically configured on all computers in the Ad Hoc network.

Figure A-1. Ad Hoc Mode Network

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