Checking Your Wireless Network Card; Device Manager; Setting Up A New Wlan Using A Wireless Router And A Broadband Modem - Dell Inspiron 1521 Owner's Manual

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

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 the Device Manager
l
Check the order confirmation for your computer
l

Device Manager

1. Click Start , and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Classic View on the menu on the left side of the Control Panel.
3. Double-click Device Manager.
NOTE: The User Account Control window may open.
4. Click Continue on the User Account Control window if it opens.
5. Click the + next to Network adapters to list the utility that manages your wireless network card.
If a network adapter is not listed, you may not have a wireless network card.
If a network adapter is listed, you have a wireless network card. To view detailed information about the wireless network card:
1. Right-click the name of the network adapter.
2. Click Properties.
The Order Confirmation for Your Computer
The order confirmation that you received when you ordered your computer lists the hardware and software that shipped with your computer.
Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem
1. Contact your Internet service provider (ISP) to obtain specific information about the connection requirements for your broadband modem.
2. Ensure that you have wired Internet access through your broadband modem before you attempt to set up a wireless Internet connection
(see Connecting a Network or Broadband Modem
3. Install any software required for your wireless router. Your wireless router may have been shipped with installation media. Installation media usually
contains installation and troubleshooting information. Install the required software according to the instructions provided by the router manufacturer.
4. Shut down your computer and any other wireless-enabled computers in the vicinity through the Windows Vista Start button
5. Disconnect your broadband modem power cable from the electrical outlet.
6. Disconnect the network cable from the computer and the modem.
7. Disconnect the AC adapter cable from your wireless router to ensure that there is no power connected to the router.
Cable).
.