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General discussion

wireless technology

by samitroy Jul 24, 2004 10:05AM PDT

dear sir, i have a hp pavilion with wireless tecnology incorporated. i am told that in airport 'hotspots' i can access the internet without using a cable. i want to know how to configure my laptop when i do reach the 'hotspot'. thank you

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5 Posts
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Re: wireless technology
by KenSanramon Jul 25, 2004 4:08AM PDT

Your notebook will detect any wireless hot-spots automatically if the laptop is running and the wi-fi is activated (most newer laptops have a wi-fi hot key on the front or sides of the notebook so you can turn it off to save batteries when not in use).

Note, if the airport hotspot requires you to register and pay to use it you will need the address they supply you to get past the wireless security. Tmobile has thousands of hotspots at Starbucks for example which require you to pay a monthly fee but you can log in at any Starbucks that has the hotspots once you are registered.

Other hotspots are free so if your notebook receives the signal you just click to connect (at the wi-fi network icon in the lower right of your toolbar at the bottom of your screen) and connect.

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Re: wireless technology
by Latta Jul 27, 2004 12:01AM PDT

What are the physical requirements for a laptop to access WI-FI? Or perhaps I should ask where to find this information?

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Re: wireless technology
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jul 27, 2004 12:36AM PDT

"What are the physical requirements for a laptop to access WI-FI"?

For my laptop, I need some OS that can use the internet and specifically TCPIP, but you asked about PHYSICAL requirements.

For that, a PCMCIA or PC-CARD will do, or even an USB port.

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network.htm is worth a read.

Bob

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Re: wireless technology
by KenSanramon Jul 27, 2004 11:20AM PDT

Newer notebooks have built in wi-fi on a minipci card which is under the notebook and integrated inside. This is the best option as it is not hanging out and in Centrino (Pentium M) notebooks it also works well with the processor and chipset on the motherboard.

For all other notebooks that don't have built in wi-fi, you can add one either through the PCI slot or the USB slot. Either of these options will work if you notebook meets the requirements but the card will hang out from your notebook from the side you so will have to disconnect it storing it.

D-link, Linksys, etc. all have cards (get 54G now or higher -- the b standard is too slow now) that will work and you don't have to get a card and router from the same company UNLESS you want to run at wi-fi speeds higher than 54G (example 108mps D-link).

54G is the standard shipping in new notebooks though.

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Re: wireless technology
by kairbix Oct 10, 2004 7:38AM PDT

I am using XP and linksys wpc11. I can connect at home with my linksys router, but I have problems connecting at free hotspots. People have told me that an automatic message appears as soon as they enter the signal range. However, I don't experience that. It can see the signal, but it can't find the DNS server to obtain an ip address. Is there a way for me to set up my NIC card or XP so that it automatically detects the network. I'm sure I can connect manually, but I have to know the SSID of the area. Even then I wouldn't know where to get that (e.g. Panera bread house). Thanks for your help!

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