Protecting your WLAN
When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your network from unauthorized access. WLANs in public areas (hotspots) like coffee shops and airports may not provide any security. If you are concerned about the security of your computer when connected to a hotspot, limit your network activities to email that is not confidential and basic Internet surfing.
Wireless radio signals travel outside the network, so other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected signals. Take the following precautions to protect your WLAN:
●Use a firewall.
A firewall checks information and requests that are sent to your network, and discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in both software and hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.
●Use wireless encryption.
Wireless encryption uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data that is transmitted over the network. For more information, from the Start screen, type help, and then select Help and Support.
Connecting to a WLAN
To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps:
1.Be sure that the WLAN device is on.
2.From the Start screen, point to the
3.Select Settings, and then click the network status icon.
4.Select your WLAN from the list.
5.Click Connect.
If the WLAN is a
NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, you may be out of range of a wireless router or access point.
NOTE: If you do not see the WLAN you want to connect to, from the Windows desktop, right- click the network status icon, and then select Open Network and Sharing Center. Click Set up a new connection or network. A list of options is displayed, allowing you to manually search for and connect to a network or to create a new network connection.
6.Follow the
After the connection is made, place the mouse pointer over the network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, to verify the name and status of the connection.
NOTE: The functional range (how far your wireless signals travel) depends on WLAN implementation, router manufacturer, and interference from other electronic devices or structural barriers such as walls and floors.
Connecting to a wireless network 19
