Connecting To A Wlan - HP Notebook PC User Manual

A variety of sophisticated encryption protocols is available for your WLAN. Find the solution that
works best for your network security:
◦
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a wireless security protocol that uses a WEP key to
encode or encrypt all network data before it is transmitted. Usually, you can allow the network
to assign the WEP key. Alternatively, you can set up your own key, generate a different key,
or choose other advanced options. Without the correct key, others will not be able to use the
WLAN.
◦
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), like WEP, uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data
that is transmitted over the network. However, instead of using one static security key for
encryptions as WEP does, WPA uses temporal key integrity protocol (TKIP) to dynamically
generate a new key for every packet. It also generates different sets of keys for each computer
on the network.

Connecting to a WLAN

To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps:
1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If it is on, the wireless light is on (white). If the wireless light
is amber, press the wireless button.
2. Click the network icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
3. Select your WLAN from the list.
4. Click Connect.
If the network is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a network security key, which
is a security code. Type the code, and then click OK to complete the connection.
NOTE:
NOTE:
Center, and then click Set up a new connection or network. A list of options is displayed. You
can choose to manually search for and connect to a network or to set up a new network connection.
After the connection is made, place the mouse pointer over the network icon in the notification area, at
the far right of the taskbar, to verify the name and status of the connection.
NOTE: The functional range (how far your wireless signals travel) depends on WLAN implementation,
router manufacturer, and interference from other electronic devices or structural barriers such as walls
and floors.
More information about using a WLAN is available through the following resources:
● Information from your ISP and the manufacturer's instructions included with your wireless router
and other WLAN equipment
●
Information and Web site links provided in Help and Support
For a list of public WLANs near you, contact your ISP or search the Web. Web sites that list public
WLANs include Cisco Internet Mobile Office Wireless Locations, Hotspotlist, and Geektools. Check with
each public WLAN location for cost and connection requirements.
For additional information on connecting your computer to a corporate WLAN, contact your network
administrator or IT department.
If no WLANs are listed, you are out of range of a wireless router or access point.
If you do not see the network you want to connect to, click Open Network and Sharing
Using a WLAN 17