Fujitsu C2111, C2010 manual Before Using This Device, Characteristics of the Device, AdHoc Mode

B5FH-5971.book Page 54 Thursday, May 23, 2002 4:13 PM

L i f e B o o k C S e r i e s N o t e b o o k – S e c t i o n F i v e

BEFORE USING THIS DEVICE

Thank you for purchasing a Fujitsu LifeBook with an Integrated Wireless LAN. This manual describes the basic operating procedures for the Wireless LAN (referred to as the “device” in this manual) and how to set up a wireless LAN network. Before using this device, read this manual carefully to ensure correct operation of the device. Keep this manual in a safe place for reference while using the device.

Characteristics of the Device

This device consists of a wireless LAN card that is attached to the computer via a mini-PCI slot.

The main characteristics are as follows:

■It uses the power saving communications system in the 2.4 GHz band, and does not require any license for radio communication.

■It uses Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DS-SS), which is resistant to noise.

■This device complies with Wi-Fi, and is able to com- municate at the maximum transfer rate of 11 Mbps.

■The maximum communication range is approxi- mately 80 feet (25 meters) inside a building. The range may be shorter depending upon the installation factors, such as walls and columns.

■Unauthorized access can be prevented with the use of SSID and encryption key.

Wireless LAN Modes Using this Device

AdHoc Mode

The “AdHoc Mode” refers to the network connecting two computers using wireless LAN cards. This connec- tion is called an “AdHoc network.”

Using an AdHoc network, you can obtain a network connection easily and at a low cost.

In the AdHoc mode, you can use the function supported by Microsoft Network, such as File and Print Sharing to exchange files and share a printer or other peripheral devices.

To use the AdHoc Mode, you must set the same SSID and the same encryption key for all the computers that are connected. All connected computers can communi- cate with each other within the communication range.

Infrastructure Mode

If a number of computers are connected simultaneously in the AdHoc mode, the transfer rate may be reduced, communications may become unstable, or the network connection could fail. This is because all wireless LAN cards are using the same radio frequency in the network.

To improve this situation, you can use a wireless LAN access point, which is sold separately. The wireless LAN network is in the “Infrastructure mode” when it uses an access point, and such a connection is called the “Infra- structure Network.”

By using an access point, you can set and use a different communication channel for each network group. Each channel is given a different radio frequency, and it eliminates the collision of communications and provides a more stable communications environment. Infrastruc- ture mode is most suitable when you are configuring multiple wireless LAN networks on the same floor.

To connect a wireless LAN network to a wired LAN, you need an access point.

How to Handle This Device

The integrated Wireless LAN device is already installed in your LifeBook computer. Under normal circum- stances, it should not be necessary for you to remove or re-install it. The LAN has been configured to support the operating system with which your system shipped.

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