Fujitsu Siemens Computers S2210 Wireless Network Considerations, Deactivating The Wlan Device

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 Oper- ating System that your mobile computer comes with has been pre-configured to support the WLAN device.

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.

■The maximum range of the WLAN device indoors is typically 80 feet (25 meters). Please note that the max- imum range you achieve may be shorter or longer than 80 feet, depending on factors such as access point transmit power, number and density of obstructions, or external RF interference.

■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

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

ADSL modem,

Internetcable 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

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 Vista, using the WLAN icon in the taskbar.

■In Windows XP, using the Atheros Client Utility soft- ware.

Deactivation using the Wireless On/Off Switch

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

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

Windows Vista: 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.

Wired LAN

Access Point*

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

93