Connecting To A Wireless Local Area Network; Overview; What You Need To Establish A Wlan Connection; Checking Your Wireless Network Card - Dell PP21L Owner's Manual

2 On the Network Setup Wizard welcome screen, click Next.
3 Click Checklist for creating a network.
NOTE:
Selecting the connection method This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the integrated
firewall provided with Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later.
4 Complete the checklist and required preparations.
5 Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network

Overview

A WLAN is a series of interconnected computers that communicate with each other over the air waves
rather than through a network cable connected to each computer. In a WLAN, a radio communications
device called an access point or wireless router connects network computers and provides Internet, or
network, access. The access point or wireless router and the wireless network card in the computer
communicate by broadcasting data from their antennas over the air waves.

What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection

Before you can set up a WLAN, you need:
• High-speed (broadband) Internet access (such as cable or DSL)
• A broadband modem that is connected and working
• A wireless router or access point
• A wireless network card for each computer that you want to connect to your WLAN
• A network cable with the network (RJ-45) connector

Checking Your Wireless Network Card

Depending on what you selected when you purchased your computer, the computer has a variety of
configurations. To confirm that your computer has a wireless network card and to determine the type of
card, use one of the following:
• The Start button and the Connect To option
• The order confirmation for your computer
Start Button and Connect To Option
1 Click the Start button.
2 Point to Connect To, and then click Show all connections.
If Wireless Network Connection does not appear under LAN or High-Speed Internet, you may not have
a wireless network card.
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Setting Up a Home and Office Network