This manual describes the procedures required to prop- erly set up and configure the optional integrated Wire- less LAN Mini-PCI device (referred to as "WLAN device" in the rest of the manual). Before using the WLAN device, read this manual to ensure correct opera- tion. Keep the manual in a safe place for future reference.
Wireless LAN Devices Covered by this Document
This document is applicable to systems containing the Intel PRO/Wireless WM3B3945ABG Network Connec- tions (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 Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG WLAN device is capable of three operating modes, IEEE802.11a, 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, CKIP, and AES encryption.
WIRELESS LAN MODES USING THIS DEVICE
Ad Hoc Mode
(See Figure A-1)"Ad Hoc Mode" refers to a wireless network where wireless network connectivity between multiple computers is established without a central 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 estab- lishing network connectivity between multiple computers.
Ad Hoc mode requires that the SSID (service set identi- fier), network authentication, 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 in which devices communicate with wireless or wired network devices by communicating through an Access Point. In infrastructure mode, wireless devices can communicate with each other or with a wired network. Corporate wireless networks operate in infra- structure mode because they require access to the wired LAN in order to access computers, devices, and services such as file servers, printers, and 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 Operating System that your mobile computer comes with has been pre-configured to support the WLAN device.
