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Once you have configured your computer for the wireless network that you selected, another pop-up notifies you that your computer is connected to that
network.
Thereafter, whenever you log on to your computer within the range of the wireless network that you selected, the same pop-up notifies you of the wireless
network connection.
Enabling/Disabling the Wireless Network Card
You can turn your computer's wireless networking function on and off by pressing the <Fn><F2> key combination. If the wireless networking function is turned
on, press <Fn><F2> to disable it. If the wireless networking function is turned off, press <Fn><F2> to enable it.
MonitoringtheStatusofWirelessNetworkConnectionsThroughDell™QuickSet
The wireless activity indicator provides an easy way to monitor the status of your computer's wireless devices. Right-click the Dell QuickSet icon in your taskbar
to select or deselect Wireless Activity Indicator Off to turn the wireless activity indicator on or off.
The wireless activity indicator indicates whether your computer's wireless devices are enabled or disabled. When you turn the wireless networking function on
or off, the wireless activity indicator changes to display the status.
For more information about the wireless activity indicator, see the Dell QuickSet Help file. For information about QuickSet and how to access the Dell QuickSet
Help file, see Dell™QuickSet.
Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)
Much like a WLAN, a Mobile Broadband network (also known as a WWAN) is a series of interconnected computers that communicate with each other through
wireless technology. However, a Mobile Broadband network uses cellular technology and therefore provides Internet access in the same varied locations from
which cellular telephone service is available. Your computer can maintain the Mobile Broadband network connection regardless of its physical location, as long
as the computer remains in the service area of your cellular service provider.
What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection
To set up a Mobile Broadband network connection, you need:
l A Mobile Broadband ExpressCard
For instructions on using ExpressCards, see ExpressCard.
l The Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility (already installed on your computer if you purchased the card when you purchased your computer, or on the CD
that accompanied your card if purchased separately from your computer)
If the utility is corrupted or deleted from your computer, see the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility user's guide for instructions. The user's guide is
available through the Windows Help and Support Center (or on the CD that accompanied your card if you purchased it separately from your computer).
To access the Help and Support Center, see Windows Help and Support Center.
Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network
Use the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility to establish and manage a Mobile Broadband network connection to the Internet:
1. Click the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility icon, , in the Windows taskbar, to run the utility.
2. Click Connect.
NOTE: If you select a secure network, you must enter a WEP or WPA key when prompted. Network security settings are unique to your network. Dell
cannot provide this information.
NOTE: Your computer can take up to 1 minute to connect to the network.
NOTE: If you are unable to connect to a wireless network, ensure that you have all the components for establishing a WLAN (see What You Need to
Establish a WLAN Connection), and then verify that your wireless network card is enabled by pressing <Fn><F2>.
NOTE: Your computer supports use of a 34-mm ExpressCard in an adapter to provide Mobile Broadband (WWAN) connectivity. Your computer does not
support use of a WWAN Mini-Card.
NOTE: These instructions apply only to Mobile Broadband ExpressCards or Mini-Cards. They do not apply to internal cards with Bluetooth®wireless
technology or WLAN Mini-Cards.
NOTE: Before you connect to the Internet, you must activate Mobile Broadband service through your cellular service provider. For instructions and for
additional information about using the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility, see the user's guide available through the Windows Help and Support Center.
To access the Help and Support Center, see Windows Help and Support Center. The user's guide is also available on the Dell Support website at
support.dell.com and on the CD included with your Mobile Broadband card if you purchased the card separately from your computer.