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The most common way to set up a wireless network is Dynamic Host
Control Protocol (DHCP) using a wireless access point router.
A DHCP
network configuration uses an access point router to automatically assign
IP addresses to each computer or network device.
Example access point wireless network
By using an access point router, you can join a wireless network and access
the Internet.
The following is an example of an access point wireless network that
shows how an access point router also lets you access the Internet. The
network is made up of an access point router, a cable or DSL modem,
and your computers. The access point router is the central control point
for the network. Attached to the access point router is the cable or DSL
modem that provides access to the Internet. Each of the computers or
Ethernet-ready devices communicate with the access point router using
radio waves. If your computer does not have built-in wireless networking,
you need to add a wireless PCI card (desktop), PC card (notebook), or
USB adapter.
Important If your computer came equipped with an internal
radio frequency wireless device, see “Safety,
Regulatory, and Legal Information” on page 139 for
general wireless regulatory and safety guidelines.
To find out if your computer has an internal wireless
device, check the device manager. For more
information, see “Determining if wireless
networking is already installed on your computers”
on page 110.
Important Note any antenna placement constraints in the
user guide of each type of wireless device in your
network.
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.