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Chapter 11: Networking Your TabletPC
www.gateway.com
Using a wireless Ethernet network
A wireless Ethernet network is ideal for creating a home or office network or
adding mobility to an existing wired Ethernet.
Wireless Ethernet is available at two different speeds. IEEE802.11a and
IEEE 802.11g wireless Ethernet run at speeds up to 54 Mbps, or about half the
speed of Fast Ethernet. 802.11b wireless Ethernet runs at speeds up to 11Mbps,
or approximately the same speed as standard wired Ethernet. This type of
network allows you the freedom to move about your home or office with your
tablet PC. For example, you can take your tablet PC from your home office to
your patio without having an Ethernet jack available.
The two most common types of wireless Ethernet networks are access point
and peer-to-peer.
Warning Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere
with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation
regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while
traveling in an airplane. IEEE802.11a, IEEE 802.11 b, and
IEEE802.11g communication devices are examples of
devices that provide wireless communication. For
instructions to turn wireless Ethernet on and off, see
“Turning your wireless Ethernet on or off” on page177.
Important See “Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information” on
page267 for general wireless regulatory and safety
guidelines.
Important The speed of a wireless network is related to signal
strength. Signal strength is affected by the distance
between your wireless network devices, by radio
interference, and by interference from natural obstructions
such as walls, floors, and doors.