This manual describes the procedures required to prop- erly set up 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 Device Covered by this Document
This document is applicable to systems containing one of the following WLAN devices:
■Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connections (802.11a+b/g)
■Atheros AR5006EXS (AR5BXB6) Mini-PCI wireless network card (802.11a+b/g)
Characteristics of the WLAN Device
■The WLAN device is a Mini-PCI card attached to the main board of the mobile computer.
■The WLAN device operates in license-free RF bands, eliminating the need to procure an FCC operating license. The WLAN operates in the 2.4GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) RF band and the lower, middle, and upper bands of the 5GHz Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII) bands.
■The WLAN device is capable of three operating modes, IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b and IEEE802.11g.
■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 WLAN device supports the following encryption methods - WEP, TKIP, CKIP, and AES encryption.
■The Wireless LAN device is compliant with the follow- ing standards: WPA, WPA2, CCX1.0, CCX2.0, and CCX3.0.
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 connec- tivity 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.
Access Point (Infrastructure) Mode
(See Figure A-2)Infrastructure mode refers to a wireless network architecture in which devices communicate with wireless or wired network devices by communi- cating through an Access Point. In infrastructure mode, wireless devices can communicate with each other or with a wired network. Corporate wireless networks operate in infrastructure mode because they require access to the WLAN in order to access services, devices, and computers (e.g., file servers, printers, databases).
How to Handle This Device
The WLAN device comes pre-installed in your mobile computer. Under normal circumstances, it should not be necessary for you to remove or re-install it. The Oper- ating System that your mobile computer comes with has been pre-configured to support the WLAN device.
■The WLAN device supports IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b and IEEE802.11g.
