Fujitsu Siemens Computers A3120 Wireless Network Considerations, Deactivating the Wlan Device

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WIRELESS NETWORK CONSIDERATIONS

■The Atheros WLAN device supports IEEE802.11a/b/g and operates in the 2.4GHz ISM band and the 5 GHz UNII bands.

■Microwave ovens will interfere with the operation of WLAN device as microwave ovens operate in the same 2.4GHz frequency range that IEEE802.11b/g devices operate in. Interference by microwaves does not occur with IEEE802.11a radio which operates in the 5 GHz RF band.

■Wireless devices that transmit in the 2.4GHz fre- quency range may interfere with the operation of WLAN devices in IEEE802.11b/g modes. Symptoms of interference include reduced throughput, intermittent disconnects, and large amounts of frame errors. It is HIGHLY recommended that these interfering devices be powered off to ensure the proper operation of the WLAN device.

DEACTIVATING THE WLAN DEVICE

Deactivation of the WLAN device may be desired in certain circumstances (to extend battery life) or where certain environments require it (i.e. hospitals, clinics, airplanes, etc.). Fujitsu mobile computers employ two methods with which to deactivate the WLAN device:

■Using the Wireless On/Off Switch, or,

■In Windows, using the WLAN icon in the taskbar.

Deactivation using the Wireless On/Off Switch

The WLAN device can be deactivated quickly and effi- ciently by sliding the Wireless On/Off Switch to the Off position (to the left). (Figure A-3)

Figure A-2. Access Point (Infrastructure) Mode Network

ADSL modem,

Internet cable modem, or similar

Wireless LAN

W i r e l e s s L A N U s e r ’ s G u i d e

The wireless On/Off switch has no effect on non-Wire- less LAN models.

WLAN/

Bluetooth

Switch

Figure A-3. Wireless LAN On/Off Switch Location

Deactivation using the icon in the taskbar

1.Right-click the WLAN icon in the taskbar at the bottom right of your screen.

2.Choose Disconnect from a network.

ACTIVATING THE WLAN DEVICE

Activation of the WLAN device can be accomplished using the same methods as the deactivation process

■Using the Wireless On/Off Switch

■In Windows, by right-clicking the WLAN icon then clicking “Connect to a network”

Wired LAN

Access Point*

*An optional hub for a wired LAN may be required depending upon the type of access point used.

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