Overview; Hp Ipaq Wireless Products; What Is A Wlan - HP iPAQ h6315 Networking Manual

Overview

This document is designed to assist users in understanding wireless communication, how it works, and
how to create and configure Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) connections on HP iPAQ rx3000
series, h4100/4300 series, hx4700 series, h5400/h5500 series, h6300 series handheld devices.

HP iPAQ wireless products

HP currently offers integrated WLAN capability with the HP iPAQ rx3000 series, h4100 series,
h4300 series, hx4700 series, h5400 series, h5500 series, and the h6300 series.

What is a WLAN?

This section includes the following topics:
• Overview
• Wireless fidelity
Overview
A wireless network is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common wireless
communication link over radio waves. A wireless network is enabled by a collection of wireless
access points residing within a small geographic area, such as in an office building or wireless
fidelity (Wi-Fi) public hotspot.
WLANs enable a variety of mobile transactions such as Internet and e-mail access, and sophisticated
tasks such as allowing sales people to access customer records from customer locations. The signal
strength of a WLAN can normally reach a maximum radius of 500 feet indoors and 1,000 feet
outdoors; however, the area can be extended with antennas, transmitters and other access devices.
Figure 1 illustrates a WLAN setup with an access point.
Figure 1. WLAN with access point
Note: Signal strength can be reduced by conditions such as wireless interference, obstructions (walls, for instance), and signal
reflection. The radius listed represents the maximum distance an unenhanced WLAN signal can travel under prime operating
conditions.
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