Fujitsu P1610 Before Using the Wireless LAN, Wireless LAN Modes Using this Device, Ad Hoc Mode

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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 three devices have been noted in the text:

■Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connections (WM3945ABG) Network Connections

■Atheros AR5006EXS Mini-Card wireless network card (AR5BXB6)

Characteristics of the WLAN Device

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

■The WLAN devices operate in license-free RF bands, eliminating the need to procure an FCC license to operate. Both WLAN devices operate in the 2.4GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) RF band and the lower and middle bands of the 5GHz Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII) bands.

■The Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG and Atheros AR5002X WLAN devices are capable of three operat- ing modes: IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g.

■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 IEEE 802.11a or IEEE 802.11g mode.

■The WLAN device is Wi-Fi certified and operates at the maximum data transfer rate of 54 Mbps in IEEE 802.11a or IEEE 802.11g mode and 11 Mbps in IEEE 802.11b mode.

■The WLAN device supports the following encryption methods - WEP, CKIP, 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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