It is a wireless world

Introduction

Wireless technology gives you the most flexibility and convenience for staying connected to your family, friends, office and the Internet.

Wireless to go

Wireless to go

These days, wireless hotspots seem to be everywhere. Many PC users have set up wireless networks to enjoy the freedom of using their laptop anywhere in the house.1 Other Internet users that are constantly on the go depend on a mobile broadband networks.2 With these connectivity options, it’s good to know you can readily hook up to the Internet with your HP Pavilion laptop PC, HP Mini, HP iPAQ and other devices with wireless capability.

You’ve most likely seen wireless local area network (WLAN) hotspots in various public places—airports, coffee shops, restaurants—that allow you to connect to the Internet for free. With a wireless-enabled laptop or handheld device you can check e-mail, surf the Internet or share photos while waiting for your flight or enjoying a cup of coffee. As always, use caution when connecting to hotspots, as they may not provide the level of security you have at home or in the office.1


Another wireless technology growing in use is wireless wide area network (WWAN), also known as mobile broadband.2 Cellular companies use their 3G or 4G data networks to provide high-speed wireless networks regionally and nationally so users can connect just about anywhere. Mobile broadband is typically more protected than Wi-Fi hotspots, so you can send and receive data with greater peace of mind. Because of its popularity, most HP laptops now offer a built-in HP mobile broadband card or it can be added as an option.

Creating a wireless home network

If you have more than one PC at home and want to easily share files and access to the Internet without being tied down by cables, a wireless network is for you. All you need is a broadband Internet connection, a wireless router and wireless-enabled PCs.


A wireless router, like the Linksys Wireless-G or -N router3, connects to your broadband modem and distributes the signal throughout your home. Most wireless routers allow you to connect a wired PC and/or printer as well.


With a wireless home network, you can share access to the Internet with multiple computers from a single connection. For example, the kids can e-mail and chat with friends while parents are working (or surfing) online. Plus, parents can monitor their kids’ Internet access.


File sharing is another advantage of wireless networking. For example, if your resume is saved on the desktop PC in your home office, but you decide you want to update it using your laptop in your bedroom, it’s easy. Simply open your desktop PC folder on your network and access the file.


The information on your computers is still protected even though you’re not using cables. It’s easy to set up and maintain a secure wireless home network. For more information, read 11 Steps to Securing Your Wireless Network.


If you need help setting up a wireless home network an HP representative can come to your home as soon as the next business day to get you up and running. For more information visit HP Total Care.

Printing—no wires required

Another advantage of wireless networking is the ability to print wirelessly.4 A variety of HP printers and HP All-in-Ones have wireless networking and Bluetooth wireless technology built in. All you have to do is click “Print” from your wireless-enabled PC or handheld device. Don’t have a wireless printer? No problem. Simply connect your printer or all-in-one to a router to enjoy the freedom of wireless printing.


Now you can print photos from your living room or print recipes in the kitchen without having to get up and connect to a printer in the other room.

  1. 1 Wireless access point, Internet service required and not included. Availability of public wireless access points limited.
  2. 2 Broadband use requires separately purchased service contract. Check with service provider for coverage and availability in your area.
  3. 3 The specifications for the 802.11n WLAN are draft specifications and are not final. If the final specifications differ from the draft specifications, it may affect the ability of the notebook to communicate with other 802.11n WLAN devices.
  4. 4 Wireless performance depends on physical environment and distance from access point.