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Using a wired Ethernet network
A wired Ethernet network consists of two or more computers connected 
together through an Ethernet cable. This connection type is commonly used 
in offices around the world and can be used to build computer networks in 
the home.
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet is available at three different speeds. Standard Ethernet runs at 
10 Mbps, Fast Ethernet runs at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet runs at 
1000 Mbps. Most home networks are built using Standard or Fast Ethernet 
components. Business networks are typically built using Fast or Gigabit Ethernet 
components.
To create a wired Ethernet network, you or your electrician must:
■Install special Ethernet cables in your home or office
■Install an Ethernet card in each of your desktop computers (if your 
computers do not already have built-in Ethernet jacks)
■Install an Ethernet PC Card in each of your notebooks or convertible 
tablet PCs (if your notebooks or convertible tablet PCs do not already have 
built-in Ethernet jacks)
■Install an Ethernet router, switch, or hub
ImportantCheck local code requirements before installing Ethernet 
cable or other wiring in your home or office. Your 
municipality may require you to obtain a permit and hire 
a licensed installer.
Tips & TricksIf you are connecting just two computers (known as a 
peer-to-peer wired Ethernet network), you can eliminate 
the router, switch, or hub and use a special crossover 
cable. 
						

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Example wired Ethernet network
The following is an example of a wired Ethernet network. The network is made 
up of a router, a cable or DSL modem, your computers, and cables connecting 
each of these components. The router is the central control point for the 
network. Attached to the router are all of your computers or Ethernet-ready 
devices. Also connected to the router is a cable or DSL modem that provides 
access to the Internet.
Tips & TricksTo add the ability to access a wireless Ethernet network 
to your wired Ethernet network, connect an access point 
to the router, switch, or hub. For more information about 
accessing a wireless Ethernet, see “Using a wireless 
Ethernet network” on page 204.
Cable/DSL modem
Router, 
switch, 
or hub 
						

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Equipment you need for a wired Ethernet 
network
For a wired Ethernet network you need:
■An Ethernet jack on each desktop computer, notebook, tablet PC, and 
convertible tablet PC.
- OR -
An Ethernet card (also called network interface cards or NICs) installed in 
each desktop computer.
- OR -
An Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook or convertible tablet PC.
■An Ethernet router. Select a router that gives you the following features:
■A jack for connecting to a cable or DSL modem.
■The ability to assign IP addresses to your networked computers 
dynamically. This prevents intruders from seeing the computers over 
the Internet.
■A built-in firewall to protect the computers on your network from 
intruders trying to access your data over the Internet.
■Built-in switching (with enough ports for all computers and devices 
on the network) so you will not have to purchase a hub or switch.
■If you did not purchase a router that includes built-in switching or if the 
router does not have enough ports to attach all of your computers, an 
Ethernet hub or switch with enough ports for all computers and devices 
in the network.
■Ethernet cable going from each computer to the router, hub, or switch.
ImportantFor best results, all Ethernet components should be either 
standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 
10/100), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000). 
A mixture of components rated at different speeds will 
result in your network running at the speed of the slowest 
rated component. 
						

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Using a wireless Ethernet network
A wireless Ethernet network is ideal for creating a home or office network or 
adding mobility to an existing wired Ethernet network. A wireless Ethernet 
network allows you the freedom to move about your home or office with your 
notebook, tablet PC, or convertible tablet PC. For example, you can take your 
notebook, tablet PC, or convertible tablet PC from your home office to your 
patio without having an Ethernet jack available.
WarningRadio frequency wireless communication can interfere 
with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation 
regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while 
traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, and 
IEEE 802.11g communication devices are examples of 
devices that provide wireless communication. For 
instructions to turn wireless Ethernet on and off, see 
“Turning your wireless Ethernet emitter on or off” on 
page 210.
ImportantIf your convertible tablet PC came equipped with an 
internal radio frequency wireless device, see “Safety, 
Regulatory, and Legal Information” on page 309 for 
general wireless regulatory and safety guidelines. To find 
out if your convertible tablet PC has an internal wireless 
device, check the label (see “Identifying your model” on 
page 10) or the device manager. 
						

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Wireless Ethernet speed and frequency
Wireless Ethernet is available at two different speeds and at two different 
frequencies. The following table compares the various wireless Ethernet 
network types.
The two most common types of wireless Ethernet networks are access point 
and peer-to-peer. Network Type Speed Frequency Advantages Disadvantages
IEEE 802.11a 54 Mbps 5 GHz Less possible 
interference than 
IEEE 802.11b and 
IEEE 802.11g■Shorter range (25 to 
75 feet) than 
IEEE 802.11b and 
IEEE 802.11g
■Not compatible with 
IEEE 802.11b or 
IEEE 802.11g 
networks
IEEE 802.11b 11 Mbps 2.4 GHz
■Large number of 
access points already 
exist in airports, 
college campuses, and 
businesses
■Compatible with 
IEEE 802.11g 
networks
■Longer range (100 to 
150 feet) than 
IEEE 802.11a
■Possible interference 
from cordless phones 
and microwaves
■Not compatible with 
IEEE 802.11a 
networks
IEEE 802.11g 54 Mbps 2.4 GHz
■Compatible with 
IEEE 802.11b 
networks
■Longer range (100 to 
150 feet) than 
IEEE 802.11a
■Possible interference 
from cordless phones 
and microwaves
■Not compatible with 
IEEE 802.11a 
networks
ImportantThe speed of a wireless network is related to signal 
strength. Signal strength is affected by the distance 
between your wireless network devices, by radio 
interference, and by interference from natural obstructions 
such as walls, floors, and doors. 
						

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Example access point wireless Ethernet 
network
By using an access point, you can join a wireless Ethernet network and access 
a wired Ethernet network. The following example shows how an access point 
also lets you access the Internet.
The following is an example of an access point wireless Ethernet network. The 
network is made up of an access point, a cable or DSL modem, and your 
computers. The access point is the central control point for the network. 
Attached to the access point is the cable or DSL modem that provides access 
to the Internet. Each of the computers or Ethernet-ready devices communicate 
with the access point using radio waves. If your computer does not have built-in 
wireless Ethernet capabilities, you need to add a wireless PCI card (desktop), 
PC card (notebook or convertible tablet PC), or USB adapter.
Tips & TricksIf you want to access a wireless Ethernet network from 
your wired Ethernet network, connect an access point to 
the router, switch, or hub. For more information about 
accessing a wired Ethernet, see “Using a wired Ethernet 
network” on page 201.
Cable/DSL modem
Access point
USB wireless 
adapter 
						

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Equipment you need for an access point 
wireless Ethernet network
For an access point wireless Ethernet network you need:
■A wireless Ethernet PCI card installed in each desktop computer
- OR -
A wireless Ethernet USB adapter attached to each desktop or notebook 
computer, or convertible tablet PC
- OR -
A notebook, tablet PC, or convertible tablet PC with wireless Ethernet 
built-in
- OR -
A wireless Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook or convertible 
tablet PC that does not have wireless Ethernet built-in
■A wireless Ethernet access point to connect your wireless Ethernet network 
to the Internet or a wired Ethernet network
ImportantIEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g use the same radio 
frequency. IEEE 802.11a uses a different radio frequency 
than IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g. All wireless 
Ethernet components must use the same frequency. A 
combination of IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b or 
IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11g components will 
not work. Some wireless devices can broadcast and 
receive signals on both frequencies.
A mixture of IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g components 
will result in your network running at the speed of the 
slower IEEE 802.11b components. 
						

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Example peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet 
network
Use a peer-to-peer (also known as ad hoc) wireless Ethernet network if you are 
setting up or joining a temporary computer-to-computer network. This type of 
network does not include access into a wired network or the Internet. You can 
create this type of network to quickly move files from one computer to another. 
						

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Using a wireless Ethernet network
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Equipment you need for a peer-to-peer 
wireless Ethernet network
For a peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network you need:
■A wireless Ethernet PCI card installed in each desktop computer
- OR -
A wireless Ethernet USB adapter attached to each desktop or notebook 
computer or convertible tablet PC
- OR -
A notebook, tablet PC, or convertible tablet PC with wireless Ethernet 
built-in
- OR -
A wireless Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook or convertible 
tablet PC that does not have wireless Ethernet built-in
For more information
For more information about purchasing equipment for your home or office 
Ethernet network, discuss your particular needs with your Gateway 
representative. In addition, several books and Internet sites are dedicated to 
networking (for example: www.homenethelp.com
). See these sources for more 
information about networking your home or office with wired or wireless 
Ethernet.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about networking, click/tap Start, 
then click/tap Help and Support.
Type the keyword networking in the Search box 
, then click/tap the arrow. 
						

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Using your convertible tablet PC 
on a network
Installing and configuring your convertible 
tablet PC for Ethernet networking
The Setting Up Your Windows Network guide has been included on your hard 
drive. It provides instructions for installing and configuring both wired and 
wireless Ethernet networking on your convertible tablet PC. To access this 
guide, click/tap 
Start, All Programs, then click/tap Gateway Documentation.
Turning your wireless Ethernet emitter on or 
off
WarningRadio frequency wireless communication can interfere 
with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation 
regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while 
traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, and 
IEEE 802.11g communication devices are examples of 
devices that provide wireless communication.
WarningIn environments where the risk of interference to other 
devices or services is harmful or perceived as harmful, the 
option to use a wireless device may be restricted or 
eliminated. Airports, Hospitals, and Oxygen or flammable 
gas laden atmospheres are limited examples where use 
of wireless devices may be restricted or eliminated. When 
in environments where you are uncertain of the sanction 
to use wireless devices, ask the applicable authority for 
authorization prior to use or turning on the wireless device.