HP Pavilion Dv3 4300 Entertainment Notebook Pc Series Manual

							●SIM (subscriber identity module) label (select models only)—Provides the ICCID (Integrated
Circuit Card Identifier) of your SIM. This label is located inside the battery bay.
●HP Mobile Broadband Module serial number label (select models only)—Provides the serial
number of your HP Mobile Broadband Module. This label is located inside the battery bay.
Identifying the labels 11 
						

							2 Wireless and local area network
Using wireless devices
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, each mobile wireless device communicates with a wireless router or a
wireless access point.
●HP Mobile Broadband Module—A wireless wide area network (WWAN) device that provides
access to information wherever mobile network operator service is available. In a WWAN, each
mobile device communicates to a mobile network operator’s base station. Mobile network
operators install networks of base stations (similar to cell phone towers) throughout large
geographic areas, effectively providing coverage across entire states, regions, or even countries.
●Bluetooth® device—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.
Computers with WLAN devices support one or more of the following IEEE industry standards:
●802.11b, the first popular standard, supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps and operates at a
frequency of 2.4 GHz.
●802.11g supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. An
802.11g WLAN device is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, so they can operate on the
same network.
●802.11a supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 5 GHz.
NOTE:802.11a is not compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g.
●802.11n supports data rates of up to 450 Mbps and may operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, making it
backward compatible with 802.11a, b, and g.
For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided in
Help and Support.
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							Identifying wireless and network status icons
Icon Name Description
Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless light and the wireless
action key on the computer. Also identifies the Wireless
Assistant software on the computer and indicates that one
or more of the wireless devices are on.
Wireless (disconnected) Identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the computer
and indicates that all of the wireless devices are off.
Wired network (connected) Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are
installed and one or more network devices are connected
to the network.
Wired network (disabled/disconnected) Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are
installed, all network devices or all wireless devices are
disabled in Windows® Control Panel, and no network
devices are connected to a wired network.
Network (disabled/disconnected) Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are
installed, no wireless connections are available or all
wireless network devices are disabled by the wireless
action key or Wireless Assistant, and no network devices
are connected to a wired network.
Network (connected) Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are
installed, one or more network devices are connected to a
wireless network, and one or more network devices are
connected to a wired network.
Network (disconnected) Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are
installed and wireless connections are available, but no
network devices are connected to a wired or wireless
network.
Using the wireless controls
You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:
●Wireless action key
●HP Wireless Assistant software
●Operating system controls
Using the wireless action key
The computer has a wireless action key, one or more wireless devices, and a wireless light. 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 amber, all wireless devices are off.
Using wireless devices 13 
						

							Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless action key to turn
on or turn off the wireless devices simultaneously. Individual wireless devices can be controlled
through HP Wireless Assistant software.
Using HP Wireless Assistant software
A wireless device can be turned on or off using HP Wireless Assistant software. If a wireless device is
disabled in Setup Utility, it must be reenabled in Setup Utility before it can be turned on or off using
Wireless Assistant.
NOTE:Enabling or turning on a wireless device does not automatically connect the computer to a
network or a Bluetooth-enabled device.
To view the state of the wireless devices, click the Show hidden icons icon, the arrow at the left of
the notification area, and position the mouse pointer over the wireless icon.
If the wireless icon is not displayed in the notification area, complete the following steps to change
Wireless Assistant properties:
1.Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Windows Mobility Center.
2.Click the wireless icon in the Wireless Assistant tile, which is located in the bottom row of
Windows® Mobility Center.
3.Click Properties.
4.Select the check box next to HP Wireless Assistant icon in notification area.
5.Click Apply.
6.Click Close.
For more information, refer to the Wireless Assistant software Help:
1.Open Wireless Assistant by clicking the wireless icon in Windows Mobility Center.
2.Click the Help button.
Using operating system controls
Some operating systems also offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless
connection. For example, Windows provides the Network and Sharing Center that allows you to set
up a connection or network, connect to a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and
repair network problems.
To access the Network and Sharing Center, select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet >
Network and Sharing Center.
For more information, select Start > Help and Support.
14 Chapter 2   Wireless and local area network 
						

							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).
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 wireless computer (3)
The following illustration 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.
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.
Using a WLAN 15 
						

							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 levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access
(WPA)-Personal and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). 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:
◦Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a wireless security protocol that encodes or encrypts
all network data before it is transmitted using a WEP key. Usually, you can allow the
network to assign the WEP key. Alternatively, you can set up your own key, generate a
different key, or choose other advanced options. Without the correct key, others will not be
able to use the WLAN.
◦WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), like WEP, uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt
data that is transmitted over the network. However, instead of using one static security key
for encryptions as WEP does, 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.
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 white. If the wireless light is
amber, press the wireless action key.
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.
16 Chapter 2   Wireless and local area network 
						

							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.
For additional information on connecting your computer to a corporate WLAN, contact your network
administrator or IT department.
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 17 
						

							Using HP Mobile Broadband
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 UNDP (Universal Notebook Data Platform), which enables data
connectivity for notebook computers.
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 provided in 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 (United States only).
Inserting a SIM
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.
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.
18 Chapter 2   Wireless and local area network 
						

							7.Insert the SIM card into the slot.
8.Replace the battery.
NOTE:HP Mobile Broadband will be 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.
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.
Using HP Mobile Broadband 19 
						

							7.Push in on the SIM card (1) to release it, and then remove the SIM card (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.
20 Chapter 2   Wireless and local area network