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Chapter 12: Networking Your Computer
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Using a wireless Ethernet network
A wireless Ethernet network is ideal for creating a home or office network or
adding mobility to an existing wired Ethernet.
A wireless Ethernet network allows you the freedom to move about your home
or office with your notebook. For example, you can take your notebook from
your home office to your patio without having an Ethernet jack available.
Wireless Ethernet is available at two different speeds. 802.11a wireless Ethernet
runs at speeds up to 54 Mbps, or about half the speed of Fast Ethernet. 802.11b
wireless Ethernet runs at speeds up to 11 Mbps, or approximately the same
speed as standard wired Ethernet.
The two most common types of wireless Ethernet networks are access point
and peer-to-peer.
Warning Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere
with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation
regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while
traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b
communication devices are examples of devices that
provide wireless communication. For instructions to turn
wireless Ethernet on and off, see “Turning your wireless
Ethernet on or off” on page 199.
Important If your notebook came equipped with an internal radio
frequency wireless device, see “Safety, Regulatory, and
Legal Information” on page 277 for general wireless
regulatory and safety guidelines. To find out if your
notebook has an internal wireless device, check the label
(see “Identifying your model” on page 10).
Important The speed of a wireless network is related to signal
strength. Signal strength is affected by the distance
between your wireless network devices, by radio
interference, and by interference from natural obstructions
such as walls, floors, and doors.