User's Manual

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Chapter 1 About the Wireless Mini PCI Card

1-1 Introduction

The Compaq 802.11b Mini PCI card allows you to access wireless Local Area Networks, share a

local printer and files with others in your network, access the Internet, and roam about the

office—wire-free. This wireless Local Area Network solution is designed for both large and small

businesses, and it is scalable so that you can add users and new network features as your

networking needs grow.

1-2 Using a Wireless Local Area Network

This product is a Local Area Network (LAN) device. A LAN is composed of two or more

computers that are connected to each other in order to share files or common equipment such as a

printer or a modem. A wireless LAN provides the same functionality of a wired network, but it

eliminates the need to install networking cables and other networking equipment. Not only is a

wireless LAN easier to deploy, but it also allows for “roaming.” For example, when using a tablet

PC with a Compaq 802.11b Mini PCI card, you can roam from a conference room to an office

without being disconnected from the network.