HP Pavilion Dm1 2100 Entertainment Notebook Pc Series Manual

							Using a WLAN
With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other
devices 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 devices 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).
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 (ISP)
●A wireless router (purchased separately) (2)
●The computer, equipped with a wireless device (3)
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, refer to the information provided by your router manufacturer or your
ISP.
Using a WLAN 21 
						

							Protecting your WLAN
Because the WLAN standard was designed with only limited security capabilities—basically to foil casual
eavesdropping rather than more powerful forms of attack—it is essential to understand that WLANs are
vulnerable to well-known and well-documented security weaknesses.
WLANs in public areas, or “hotspots,” like coffee shops and airports may not provide any security. New
technologies are being developed by wireless manufacturers and hotspot service providers that make
the public environment more secure and anonymous. If you are concerned about the security of your
computer in a hotspot, limit your network activities to noncritical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.
When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your
network from unauthorized access. The common security level is Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA).
Because wireless radio signals travel outside the network, other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected
signals and either connect to your network (uninvited) or capture information being sent across it.
However, you can take precautions to protect your WLAN:
●Use a wireless transmitter with built-in security.
Many wireless base stations, gateways, or routers provide built-in security features such as
wireless security protocols and firewalls. With the correct wireless transmitter, you can protect your
network from the most common wireless security risks.
●Work behind a firewall.
A firewall is a barrier that checks both data and requests for data that are sent to your network,
and discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in many varieties, both software and
hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.
●Use wireless encryption.
A variety of sophisticated encryption protocols is available for your WLAN. Find the solution that
works best for your network security. One solution is WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), which uses
security settings to encrypt and decrypt data that is transmitted over the network. WPA uses
“temporal key integrity protocol” (TKIP) to dynamically generate a new key for every packet. It also
generates different sets of keys for each computer on the network.
22 Chapter 3   Wireless and local area network 
						

							Connecting to a WLAN
To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps:
1.Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If it is on, the wireless light is blue. If the wireless light is off
or amber, press the wireless button.
2.Click the network icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
3.Select your WLAN from the list.
4.Click Connect.
If the network is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a network security key, which
is a security code. Type the code, and then click OK to complete the connection.
NOTE:If no WLANs are listed, you are out of range of a wireless router or access point.
NOTE:If you do not see the network you want to connect to, click Open Network and Sharing
Center, and then click Set up a new connection or network. A list of options is displayed. You
can choose to manually search for and connect to a network or to create a new network connection.
After the connection is made, place the mouse pointer over the network 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.
More information about using a WLAN is available through the following resources:
●Information from your ISP and the manufacturers instructions included with your wireless router
and other WLAN equipment
●Information and Web site links provided in Help and Support
For a list of public WLANs near you, contact your ISP or search the Web. Web sites that list public
WLANs include Cisco Internet Mobile Office Wireless Locations, Hotspotlist, and Geektools. Check with
each public WLAN location for cost and connection requirements.
Roaming to another network
When you move your computer within range of another WLAN, Windows attempts to connect to that
network. If the attempt is successful, your computer is automatically connected to the new network. If
Windows does not recognize the new network, follow the same procedure you used initially to connect
to your WLAN.
Using a WLAN 23 
						

							Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only)
HP Mobile Broadband enables your computer to use wireless wide area networks (WWANs) to access
the Internet from more places and over larger areas than it can by using WLANs. Using HP Mobile
Broadband requires a network service provider (called a mobile network operator), which in most cases
is a mobile phone network operator. Coverage for HP Mobile Broadband is similar to mobile phone voice
coverage.
When used with mobile network operator service, HP Mobile Broadband gives you the freedom to stay
connected to the Internet, send e-mail, or connect to your corporate network whether you are on the
road or outside the range of Wi-Fi hotspots.
HP Mobile Broadband supports the following technologies:
●HSPA (High Speed Packet Access), which provides access to networks based on the Global
System for Mobile Communications (GSM) telecommunications standard.
●EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized), which provides access to networks based on the code division
multiple access (CDMA) telecommunications standard.
You may need the HP Mobile Broadband Module serial number to activate mobile broadband service.
The serial number is printed on a label inside the battery bay of your computer.
Some mobile network operators require the use of a subscriber identity module (SIM). A SIM contains
basic information about you, such as a personal identification number (PIN), as well as network
information. Some computers include a SIM that is preinstalled in the battery bay. If the SIM is not
preinstalled, it may be included with the HP Mobile Broadband information provided with your computer,
or the mobile network operator may provide it separately from the computer.
For information on inserting and removing the SIM, refer to the “Inserting a SIM” and “Removing a SIM”
sections in this chapter.
For information on HP Mobile Broadband and how to activate service with a preferred mobile network
operator, refer to the HP Mobile Broadband information included with your computer. For additional
information, see the HP Web site at 
http://www.hp.com/go/mobilebroadband (US only).
24 Chapter 3   Wireless and local area network 
						

							Inserting a SIM
To insert a SIM:
1.Shut down the computer. If you are not sure whether the computer is off or in Hibernation, turn the
computer on by pressing the power button. Then shut down the computer through the operating
system.
2.Close the display.
3.Disconnect all external devices connected to the computer.
4.Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.
5.Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you.
6.Remove the battery.
CAUTION:When inserting a SIM, position the card with the slanted corner as shown in the
illustration. If a SIM is inserted backwards or upside down, the battery may not snap into place
properly and could damage the SIM and the SIM connector.
To prevent damage to the connectors, use minimal force when inserting a SIM.
7.Insert the SIM into the SIM slot, and gently push the SIM into the slot until it is firmly seated.
8.Replace the battery.
NOTE:HP Mobile Broadband is disabled if the battery is not replaced.
9.Turn the computer right-side up, and then reconnect external power and external devices.
10.Turn on the computer.
Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) 25 
						

							Removing a SIM
To remove a SIM:
1.Shut down the computer. If you are not sure whether the computer is off or in Hibernation, turn the
computer on by pressing the power button. Then shut down the computer through the operating
system.
2.Close the display.
3.Disconnect all external devices connected to the computer.
4.Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.
5.Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you.
6.Remove the battery.
7.Press in on the SIM (1), and then remove it from the slot (2).
8.Replace the battery.
9.Turn the computer right-side up, and then reconnect external power and external devices.
10.Turn on the computer.
26 Chapter 3   Wireless and local area network 
						

							Using Bluetooth wireless devices
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)
Bluetooth devices provide peer-to-peer capability that allows you to set up a personal area network
(PAN) of Bluetooth devices. For information on configuring and using Bluetooth devices, refer to the
Bluetooth software Help.
Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
HP does not recommend setting up one computer with Bluetooth as a host and using it as a gateway
through which other computers may connect to the Internet. When two or more computers are connected
using Bluetooth, and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is enabled on one of the computers, the other
computers may not be able to connect to the Internet using the Bluetooth network.
The strength of Bluetooth is in synchronizing information transfers between your computer and wireless
devices including cellular phones, printers, cameras, and PDAs. The inability to consistently connect
two or more computers to share the Internet through Bluetooth is a limitation of Bluetooth and the
Windows operating system.
Using Bluetooth wireless devices 27 
						

							Troubleshooting wireless connection problems
Some possible causes for wireless connection problems include the following:
●Network configuration (SSID or security) has been changed.
●Wireless device is not installed correctly or has been disabled.
●Wireless device or router hardware has failed.
●Wireless device encountered interference from other devices.
NOTE:Wireless networking devices are included with select computer models only. If wireless
networking is not listed in the feature list on the side of the original computer package, you may add
wireless networking capability to the computer by purchasing a wireless networking device.
Before working your way through the sequence of possible solutions to your network connection
problem, be sure that device drivers are installed for all wireless devices.
Use the procedures in this chapter to diagnose and repair a computer that does not connect to the
network you want to use.
Cannot connect to a WLAN
If you have a problem connecting to a WLAN, confirm that the integrated WLAN device is properly
installed on your computer:
NOTE:Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer.
You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running
utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support for more information.
1.Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security.
2.In the System area, click Device Manager.
3.Click the arrow next to Network adapters to expand the list and show all adapters.
4.Identify the WLAN device from the Network adapters list. The listing for a WLAN device may include
the terms wireless, wireless LAN, WLAN, Wi-Fi, or 802.11.
If no WLAN device is listed, either your computer does not have an integrated WLAN device, or
the driver of the WLAN device is not properly installed.
For more information on troubleshooting WLANs, refer to the Web site links provided in Help and
Support.
28 Chapter 3   Wireless and local area network 
						

							Cannot connect to a preferred WLAN network
Windows can automatically repair a corrupted WLAN connection:
●If there is a network icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, right-click the icon,
and then click Troubleshoot problems.
Windows resets your network device and attempts to reconnect to one of the preferred networks.
●If there is no network icon in the notification area, follow these steps:
1.Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
2.Click Troubleshoot problems and select the network you wish to repair.
Network icon for WLAN is not displayed
If the network icon is not displayed in the notification area after you configure the WLAN, the software
driver is either missing or corrupted. A Windows “Device not Found” error message may also be
displayed. The driver must be reinstalled.
Get the latest version of the WLAN computer software and drivers for your computer from the HP Web
site at 
http://www.hp.com.
NOTE:If the WLAN device you are using was purchased separately, consult the manufacturers Web
site for the latest software.
To get the latest version of the WLAN computer software for your computer, follow these steps:
1.Open your Web browser and go to 
http://www.hp.com/support.
2.Select your country or region.
3.Click the option for software and driver downloads, and then type your computer model number in
the search box.
4.Press enter, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Current WLAN network security codes are unavailable
If you are prompted for a network key or a name (SSID) when connecting to a WLAN, the network is
protected by security. You must have the current codes to make a connection on a secure network. The
SSID and network key are alphanumeric codes that identify your computer to the network.
●For a network connected to your personal wireless router, review the router user guide for
instructions on setting up the same codes on both the router and the WLAN device.
●For a private network, such as a network in an office or at a public Internet chat room, contact the
network administrator to obtain the codes, and then enter the codes when prompted to do so.
Some networks change the SSID or network keys used in their routers or access points on a regular
basis to improve security. You must change the corresponding code in your computer accordingly.
Troubleshooting wireless connection problems 29 
						

							If you are provided with new wireless network keys and SSID for a network, and if you have previously
connected to that network, follow the steps below to connect to the network:
1.Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
2.Click Manage wireless networks in the left panel.
A list showing the available WLANs is displayed. If you are in a hotspot where several WLANs are
active, several are displayed.
3.Select the network in the list, right-click the network, and then click Properties.
NOTE:If the network you want is not listed, check with the network administrator to be sure that
the router or access point is operating.
4.Click the Security tab and enter the correct wireless encryption data into the Network security
key box.
5.Click OK to save these settings.
WLAN connection is very weak
If the connection is very weak, or if your computer cannot make a connection to a WLAN, minimize
interference from other devices, as follows:
●Move your computer closer to the wireless router or access point.
●Temporarily disconnect devices such as a microwave, cordless phone, or cellular phone to be sure
that other devices are not interfering.
If the connection does not improve, try forcing the device to reestablish all connection values:
1.Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
2.Click Manage wireless networks in the left panel.
A list showing the available WLANs is displayed. If you are in a hotspot where several WLANs are
active, several are displayed.
3.Click a network, and then click Remove.
Cannot connect to the wireless router
If you are trying to connect to the wireless router and are unsuccessful, reset the wireless router by
removing power from the router for 10 to 15 seconds.
If the computer still cannot make a connection to a WLAN, restart the wireless router. For details, refer
to the router manufacturers instructions.
30 Chapter 3   Wireless and local area network