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LifeBook B Series Notebook - Appendix
Before Using the Wireless LAN
This manual describes the procedures required to prop-
erly setup and configure the integrated Wireless LAN
Mini-PCI device (referred to as "WLAN device" in the
rest of the manual). Before using the WLAN device, read
this manual carefully to ensure it's correct operation.
Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
Wireless LAN Devices Covered by this Document
This document is applicable to systems containing one
of the following two devices. Most of the procedures are
identical. Sections that differ between the two devices
have been noted in the text:
■
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Mini-PCI wireless
network card
■
Atheros AR5002x or AR5002g Mini-PCI wireless
network card
Characteristics of the WLAN Device
■
The WLAN device is a Mini-PCI card attached to the
mainboard of the mobile computer.
■
It is a dual-band radio that operates in two license-free
RF bands, therefore eliminating the need to procure an
FCC license to operate. It operates in the 2.4GHz
Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) RF band.
Additionally, the Atheros device operates in the lower
and middle bands of the 5GHz Unlicensed National
Information Infrastructure (UNII) bands.
■
The Atheros WLAN is capable of three operating
modes, IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b and IEEE802.11g,
wireless LAN standards governed by the IEEE (Insti-
tute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers). The Intel
WLAN is capable of two operating modes,
IEEE802.11b and IEEE802.11g.
■
Encoding of data is modulated using Direct Sequence
Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Complementary Code
Keying (CCK) when the WLAN device is operating in
IEEE 802.11b mode and Orthogonal Frequency Divi-
sion Multiplexing (OFDM) when operating in
IEEE802.11a or IEEE802.11g mode.
■
The WLAN device is Wi-Fi certified and operates at
the maximum data transfer rate of 54 Mbps in
IEEE802.11a or IEEE802.11g mode and 11 Mbps in
IEEE802.11b mode.
■
The maximum communication range indoors is
approximately 80 feet (25 meters). However, that
range will increase or decrease depending on factors
such as number of walls, reflective material, or inter-
ference from external RF sources.
■
The WLAN device supports the following encryption
methods - WEP, TKIP, and AES encryption.
WIRELESS LAN MODES USING THIS DEVICE
Ad Hoc Mode
(See Figure A-1)
"Ad Hoc Mode" refers to a wireless network architecture
where wireless network connectivity between multiple
computers is established without a central wireless
network device, typically known as Access Point(s).
Connectivity is accomplished using only client devices in
a peer-to-peer fashion. That is why Ad Hoc networks are
also known as peer-to-peer networks. Ad Hoc networks
are an easy and inexpensive method for establishing
network connectivity between multiple computers.
Ad Hoc mode requires that the SSID, network authenti-
cation, and encryption key settings are identically
configured on all computers in the Ad Hoc network.
Figure A-1. Ad Hoc Mode Network
B Series.book Page 90 Friday, April 23, 2004 11:41 AM