188Chapter 11: Networking Your Computerwww.gateway.comUsing a wireless Ethernet networkA wireless Ethernet network is ideal for creating a home or office network oradding mobility to an existing wired Ethernet.Wireless Ethernet is available at two different speeds. IEEE 802.11a andIEEE 802.11g wireless Ethernet run at speeds up to 54 Mbps, or about half thespeed of Fast Ethernet. 802.11b wireless Ethernet runs at speeds up to 11 Mbps,or approximately the same speed as standard wired Ethernet. This type ofnetwork allows you the freedom to move about your home or office with yournotebook. For example, you can take your notebook from your home office toyour patio without having an Ethernet jack available.The two most common types of wireless Ethernet networks are access pointand peer-to-peer.Warning Radio frequency wireless communication can interferewith equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviationregulations require wireless devices to be turned off whiletraveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, andIEEE 802.11g communication devices are examples ofdevices that provide wireless communication. Forinstructions to turn wireless Ethernet on and off, see“Turning your wireless Ethernet on or off” on page 193.Important If your notebook came equipped with an internal radiofrequency wireless device, see “Safety, Regulatory, andLegal Information” on page 275 for general wirelessregulatory and safety guidelines. To find out if yournotebook has an internal wireless device, check the label(see “Identifying your model” on page 9).Important The speed of a wireless network is related to signalstrength. Signal strength is affected by the distancebetween your wireless network devices, by radiointerference, and by interference from natural obstructionssuch as walls, floors, and doors.
