11 wireless devices (select models only) – HP Compaq Presario V5224TU Notebook PC User Manual

Page 121

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802.11 wireless devices (select models only)

A computer with an 802.11 wireless device can access a wireless local area network (commonly
referred to as wireless network, wireless LAN, or WLAN), which is composed of other computers and
accessories linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point:

●

A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which enables several wireless
and wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without additional
pieces of hardware or software.

NOTE

The terms wireless access point and wireless router are often used

interchangeably.

●

A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points
that can handle a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network
functions.

802.11 wireless devices include:

●

802.11b

●

802.11b/g

●

802.11a/b/g

Computers with 802.11 wireless devices may support 1 or more of 3 industry standards:

●

802.11b supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz.

●

802.11g supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. An
802.11g WLAN device is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, so they can operate on
the same network.

●

802.11a supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 5 GHz. 802.11a is
not compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g.

For information on identifying the wireless device in the computer, refer to “

Identifying an 802.11

wireless device

.”

ENWW

802.11 wireless devices (select models only)

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