CHAPTER 6: Wireless Networking
88
www.gateway.com
About wireless networking
Wireless networking (optional on your
computer) is the latest advance in computer
communication. With a wireless home network,
you can use your computer wherever you like,
for browsing the Internet, e-mail, transferring
files, and printing.
A wireless network uses radio waves to
communicate. Typically, a wireless network is
made up of an access point, a cable or DSL
modem (for Internet access), and your wireless
computers.
An access point is a small electronic device that
serves as the central control point for your
network. You connect your modem to the access
point, set up a network connection, then browse
the Internet, send e-mail, share files and folders
with other networked computers, and access
other devices, like a printer or scanner.
For more information on connecting a wired
network, or general network usage such as
sharing drives and printers, mapping network
drives, and copying files between computers,
see “Networking Your Computer” in your online
User Guide.
Buying wireless equipment
For a wireless network you need:
■
A computer with a wireless network card
■
A broadband Internet connection
■
An access point
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