Connecting to a network. HP ProBook 455 G2 Notebook PC, ProBook 445 G1 Notebook PC, ProBook 455 G1 Notebook PC

3 Connecting to a network

Your computer can travel with you wherever you go. But even at home, you can explore the globe and access information from millions of websites using your computer and a wired or wireless network connection. This chapter will help you get connected to that world.

Connecting to a wireless network

Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:

● Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless local area networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate offices, your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and universities. In a WLAN, the mobile wireless device in your computer communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access point.

● Bluetooth device (select models only)—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras. In a PAN, each device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be relatively close together—typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.

For more information about wireless technology, see the information and website links provided in HP

Support Assistant. To access HP Support Assistant on the Start screen, select the HP Support

Assistant app.

Using the wireless controls

You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:

● Wireless button, wireless switch, or wireless key (referred to in this chapter as the wireless button)

● Operating system controls

Using the wireless button

The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights, depending on the model. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless light is on (white) when you turn on the computer.

The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of individual devices. If the wireless light is white, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light is off, all wireless devices are off.

NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.

Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless button to turn on or turn off the wireless devices simultaneously.

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Using operating system controls

The Network and Sharing Center allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair network problems.

To use operating system controls:

1.

From the Start screen, type n , and then select Settings..

2.

Type network and sharing in the search box, and then select Network and Sharing Center.

For more information, access HP Support Assistant. To access HP Support Assistant on the Start screen, select the HP Support Assistant app.

Using a WLAN

With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.

NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably.

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

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

To use the WLAN device in your computer, you must connect to a WLAN infrastructure (provided through a service provider or a public or corporate network).

Using an Internet service provider

When you are setting up Internet access in your home, you must establish an account with an

Internet service provider (ISP). To purchase Internet service and a modem, contact a local ISP. The

ISP will help set up the modem, install a network cable to connect your wireless computer to the modem, and test the Internet service.

NOTE: Your ISP will give you a user ID and a password to use for Internet access. Record this information and store it in a safe place.

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Setting up a WLAN

To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need the following equipment:

● A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from an Internet service provider

● A wireless router (2) (purchased separately)

● A wireless computer (3)

NOTE: Some modems have a built-in wireless router. Check with your ISP to determine what type of modem you have.

The illustration below shows an example of a wireless network installation that is connected to the

Internet.

As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to access the Internet.

For help in setting up your WLAN, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your

ISP.

Configuring a wireless router

For help in setting up a WLAN, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.

NOTE: It is recommended that you initially connect your new wireless computer to the router by using the network cable provided with the router. When the computer successfully connects to the

Internet, disconnect the cable, and access the Internet through your wireless network.

Protecting your WLAN

When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your network from unauthorized access. WLANs in public areas (hotspots) like coffee shops and airports may not provide any security. If you are concerned about the security of your computer in a hotspot, limit your network activities to email that is not confidential and basic Internet surfing.

Wireless radio signals travel outside the network, so other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected signals. Take the following precautions to protect your WLAN:

● Use a firewall.

A firewall checks both data and requests for data that are sent to your network, and discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in both software and hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.

● Use wireless encryption.

Wireless encryption uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data that is transmitted over the network. For more information, access HP Support Assistant. To access HP Support

Assistant on the Start screen, select the HP Support Assistant app.

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Connecting to a WLAN

To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps:

1.

Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If the device is on, the wireless light is on. If the wireless light is off, press the wireless button.

NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.

2.

From the Windows desktop, tap and hold, or click the network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

3.

Select your WLAN from the list.

4.

Click Connect.

If the WLAN is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a security code. Type the code, and then click Next.

NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, you may be out of range of a wireless router or access point.

NOTE: If you do not see the WLAN you want to connect to, from the Windows desktop, rightclick the network status icon, and then select Open Network and Sharing Center. Click Set up a new connection or network. A list of options is displayed, allowing you to manually search for and connect to a network or to create a new network connection.

5.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection.

After the connection is made, place the mouse pointer over the network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, to verify the name and status of the connection.

NOTE: The functional range (how far your wireless signals travel) depends on WLAN implementation, router manufacturer, and interference from other electronic devices or structural barriers such as walls and floors.

Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only)

A Bluetooth device provides short-range wireless communications that replace the physical cable connections that traditionally link electronic devices such as the following:

● Computers (desktop, notebook, PDA)

● Phones (cellular, cordless, smart phone)

● Imaging devices (printer, camera)

● Audio devices (headset, speakers)

● Mouse

Bluetooth devices provide peer-to-peer capability that allows you to set up a personal area network

(PAN) of Bluetooth devices. For information about configuring and using Bluetooth devices, see the

Bluetooth software Help.

Connecting to a wired network

There are 2 kinds of wired connections: local area network (LAN) and modem connection. A LAN connection uses a network cable and is much faster than a modem, which uses a telephone cable.

Both cables are sold separately.

Connecting to a wired network 19

WARNING!

To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not plug a modem cable or telephone cable into an RJ-45 (network) jack.

Connecting to a local area network (LAN)

Use a LAN connection if you want to connect the computer directly to a router in your home (instead of working wirelessly), or if you want to connect to an existing network at your office.

Connecting to a LAN requires an 8-pin, RJ-45 network cable.

To connect the network cable, follow these steps:

1.

Plug the network cable into the network jack (1) on the computer.

2.

Plug the other end of the network cable into a network wall jack (2) or router.

NOTE: If the network cable contains noise suppression circuitry (3), which prevents interference from TV and radio reception, orient the circuitry end of the cable toward the computer.

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