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LifeBook N Series User’s Guide
Before Using the Wireless LAN
This manual describes the procedures required to prop-
erly set up and configure the optional integrated Wire-
less LAN Mini-PCI device (referred to as "WLAN
device" in the rest of the manual). Before using the
WLAN device, read this manual to ensure correct opera-
tion. Keep the manual in a safe place for future reference.
Wireless LAN Devices Covered by this Document
This document is applicable to systems containing the
Intel PRO/Wireless WM3B3945ABG Network Connec-
tions (802.11a+b/g)
Characteristics of the WLAN Device
■
The WLAN device is a Mini-PCI card attached to the
main board of the mobile computer.
■
The WLAN device operates in license-free RF bands,
eliminating the need to procure an FCC operating
license. The WLAN operates in the 2.4GHz Industrial,
Scientific, and Medical (ISM) RF band and the lower,
middle, and upper bands of the 5GHz Unlicensed
National Information Infrastructure (UNII) bands.
■
The Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG WLAN device is
capable of three operating modes, IEEE802.11a,
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, CKIP, and AES encryption.
WIRELESS LAN MODES USING THIS DEVICE
Ad Hoc Mode
(See Figure A-1) "Ad Hoc Mode" refers to a wireless
network where wireless network connectivity between
multiple computers is established without a central
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 estab-
lishing network connectivity between multiple
computers.
Ad Hoc mode requires that the SSID (service set identi-
fier), network authentication, and encryption key
settings are identically configured on all computers in
the Ad Hoc network.
Access Point (Infrastructure) Mode
(See Figure A-2) Infrastructure mode refers to a wireless
network in which devices communicate with wireless or
wired network devices by communicating through an
Access Point. In infrastructure mode, wireless devices
can communicate with each other or with a wired
network. Corporate wireless networks operate in infra-
structure mode because they require access to the wired
LAN in order to access computers, devices, and services
such as file servers, printers, and databases.
How to Handle This Device
The WLAN device comes pre-installed in your mobile
computer. Under normal circumstances, it should not
be necessary for you to remove or re-install it. The
Operating System that your mobile computer comes
with has been pre-configured to support the WLAN
device.
Figure A-1. Ad Hoc Mode Network
N6410-01.book Page 86 Tuesday, January 31, 2006 9:24 AM