Setting Up and Using Networks 99
Wireless Local Area Network
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a series of interconnected computers
that communicate with each other over the air waves rather than through a
network cable connected to each computer. In a WLAN, a radio
communications device called an access point or wireless router connects
network computers and provides Internet, or network access. The access
point or wireless router and the wireless network card in the computer
communicate by broadcasting data from their antennas over the air waves.

What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection

Before you can set up a WLAN, you need:
• High-speed (broadband) Internet access (such as cable or DSL)
• A broadband modem that is connected and working
• A wireless router or access point
• A wireless network card for each computer that you want to connect to
your WLAN
• A network cable with a network (RJ-45) connector

Checking Your Wireless Network Card

Depending on what you selected when you purchased your computer, the
computer has a variety of configurations. To confirm that your computer has
a wireless network card and to determine the type of card, use one of the
following:
•The
Start
button and the
Connect To
option
• The order confirmation for your computer
Start Button and Connect To Option
In Microsoft Windows XP, click Start→ Connect To→ Show all connections.
NOTE: If your computer is set to the Classic Start menu option, click Start
→
Settings
→
Network Connections to view your network connections.
In Microsoft Windows Vista, click → Connect To→ View netw ork
computers and devices.