HP Probook 6450 B User Guide

							2 Wireless, modem, and local area
network
Using wireless devices (select models only)
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.
Using wireless devices (select models only) 21 
						

							Identifying wireless and network icons
IconNameDescription
Wireless (connected)Identifies the location of the wireless lights and the wireless button 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.
HP Connection
ManagerOpens HP Connection Manager, which enables you to create a
connection with an HP Mobile Broadband device (select models only).
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.
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.
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 may be 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 button or Wireless Assistant, and no network
devices are connected to a wired 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.
Using the wireless controls
You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:
●Wireless button
●Wireless Assistant software (select models only)
●HP Connection Manager software (select models only)
●Operating system controls
Using the wireless button
The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and two wireless lights. All of the
wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless lights are on (blue) when
you turn on the computer.
22 Chapter 2   Wireless, modem, and local area network 
						

							The wireless lights indicate the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of individual
devices. If the wireless lights are blue, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless lights are amber,
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. Individual wireless devices can be controlled through
Wireless Assistant software (select models only) or through Computer Setup.
NOTE: If the wireless devices are disabled by Computer Setup, the wireless button will not work until
you reenable your devices.
Using Wireless Assistant software (select models only)
A wireless device can be turned on or off using the Wireless Assistant software. If a wireless device is
disabled by Computer Setup, it must be reenabled by Computer Setup 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 cursor over the wireless icon.
If the wireless icon is not displayed in the notification area, complete the following steps to change the
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 HP Connection Manager (select models only)
You can use HP Connection Manager to connect to WWANs using the HP Mobile Broadband device in
your computer (select models only).
▲To start Connection Manager, click the Connection Manager icon in the notification area, at the
far right of the taskbar.
– or –
Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Connection Manager.
For more details about using Connection Manager, refer to the Connection Manager software Help.
Using wireless devices (select models only) 23 
						

							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, refer to Help and Support. Select Start > Help and Support.
24 Chapter 2   Wireless, modem, and local area network 
						

							Using a WLAN device (select models only)
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.
NOTE: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 device (select models only) 25 
						

							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) 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, and 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
then 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 uses a WEP key to
encode or encrypt all network data before it is transmitted. 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 lights are on (blue). If the wireless lights
are 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 set up a new network connection.
26 Chapter 2   Wireless, modem, 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 device (select models only) 27 
						

							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 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 PIN (personal identification number), 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 mobile broadband information included with your computer. For additional
information, see the HP Web site at 
http://www.hp.com/go/mobilebroadband (US 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.
28 Chapter 2   Wireless, modem, and local area network 
						

							6.Remove the battery.
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 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 (select models only) 29 
						

							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.
30 Chapter 2   Wireless, modem, and local area network