HP Creating a wireless connection, Identifying wireless icons and controls, Identifying wireless and network status icons

Creating a wireless connection

Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:

●Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless local area networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate offices, your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and universities. In a WLAN, each mobile wireless device communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access point.

●HP Mobile Broadband Module—A wireless wide area network (WWAN) device that provides access to information wherever mobile network operator service is available. In a WWAN, each mobile device communicates to a mobile network operator’s base station. Mobile network operators install networks of base stations (similar to cell phone towers) throughout large geographic areas, effectively providing coverage across entire states, regions, or even countries.

●Bluetooth® device—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras. In a PAN, each device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be relatively close together— typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.

For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided in Help and Support.

Identifying wireless icons and controls

Identifying wireless and network status icons

Icon	Name	Description
	Wireless (connected)	Identifies the location of the wireless light and the wireless key
		and button on the computer. Also identifies the Wireless
		Assistant software on the computer and indicates that one or
		more of the wireless devices are on.
	Wireless (disconnected)	Identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the computer and
		indicates that all of the wireless devices are off.
	HP Connection Manager	Opens HP Connection Manager, which enables you to create
		a connection with an HP Mobile Broadband device (select
		models only).
	Network status	Indicates the status of network connections, both wired and
		wireless.
		When you move the mouse pointer over the icons, more
		detailed information is displayed.

14 Chapter 2 Networking