How does the wireless internet work on laptops?
547566
Some laptops have a wireless card, which sends and recieves information to and from computers hooked up to the internet. It's like a miniradio that connects the laptop to the internet.
561094
Wireless Networks\nWhat I know\n\nBegin with the high speed DSL or cable service.  As far as I know, wireless networks would need one of these, although it is not certain that a simple wireless network needs a dedicated line; it might work with a dial-up but configuring the wireless router might be impossible since it seems to depend of internet access to do so.\nAssuming broadband is available, the next step would be to install a wireless router, such as a Linksys WRT54G, a device capable of speeds up to 54 Mbs.  The device itself has an internet-like address of 192.168.1.1 and each device attached to or accessing it has an address which converts the last digit to the form 100 or 101 and so forth.  Thus, a laptop with a wireless card might be address 192.168.1.101.     One can access and configure a Linksys router by entering the address 192.168.1.1 into a web browser and is immediately presented the configuration screen. The person doing the configuration change must have the user name and password originally entered at the time the device was installed, assuming the person installing it changed the default factory user name and password.  The Linksys router is installed by first attaching your main computer to the DSL or cable modem, then using the supplied software on the CD accompanying the router, following the steps as directed on the installation CD.  It directs you to attach an Ethernet cable from your computer to the modem, either DSL or cable, then arranging the wires from wall outlet or TV cable to the modem, then from the modem to the router, plugging cables into the jacks as shown.  If one follows this set of instructions, internet access is immediately available through the router.\nA simple wireless network need not be entirely wireless. One or more computers can be wired to the router, usually up to a limit of four, plus other wireless devices.  The Linksys routers are limited to 253 devices and defaulted to 50 total devices, but realistically it is not likely anyone would attach that many to a network.  My original configuration had the desktop wired to the router via Cat 5 ethernet cable and the laptop using a wireless card.  Later I installed a Netgear  USB adapter to the desktop and converted it to wireless.  The advantage of attaching the “main” computer by cable is that the speed is much faster, around 100 Mbs compared to 54 using wireless, although Netgear makes a wireless router capable of 100 Mbs.This higher speed would be an advantage when two devices on the network are exchanging files or accessing a shared printer.\nHaving installed the router, the next step is installing or inserting a wireless adapter in each computer.  This usually implies installing drivers and/or utilities supplied with the device on a CD.  If the main computer is wired to the router, it is only necessary to attach the Cat 5 cable from the back of the computer to one of the available ports on the router.  The computer must have an Ethernet (RJ45) port built in or a network card installed to do this.  At this point, no network exists, but internet access at each computer, wireless or wired,  normally comes on automatically with little trouble by the user.\nNow for setting up a true network.  Assuming each computer is running Windows XP, the next step is allowing Windows to create the network.   On each computer it is necessary to go to the Control Panel and select Network Connections, then select Network Setup Wizard. Windows will construct the network using the names of the computers involved and the name of the network which you gave the wireless router.  Simply follow the windows presented making sure you know the name you have given to that computer and the name you gave the network when you installed the router.   Where are the names to be found?  The computer name is located internally and is accessed by going to the Control Panel and selecting System.  A tab is labeled Computer Name and it also has the workgroup name
681467
If you're talking about wireless internet, here's a good site: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network.htm
184070
Sure--this is easy, inexpensive, and will completely change the way you use the internet!\n\nSince you already have a wireless adapter for your laptop, the only thing you should need is a wireless router.  Before we get into the particulars, the only way to take advantage of a wireless network is if you have a broadband internet connection--like DSL or cable internet.  Otherwise, it just won't work.\n\nOn to routers.  You can find them at retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City, as well as anyone selling computer accessories.  The best-known brands are D-Link, Linksys, and Belkin.  You should be able to buy one for $40-70 or maybe less with a rebate offer.\n\nSet-up is pretty simple.  You should follow the setup instructions, but you should just have to plug the router into a power outlet, and connect the Ethernet cable coming from your modem to the input on the router.  It should all be clearly labeled for you.\n\nThere will likely be some configuring that you will need to do, but it's easy, since the router software interface is accessed by your web browser.  One of the first things you will want to do is set up your router for encryption.  \n\nThere are a couple of different standards that are available--I think WPA is the newest and best.  In any event, you'll need to generate a "passphrase"--a random series of letters and numbers that you should save in a safe place.  You'll need to enter this passphrase in your wireless adapter utility software to connect to the router.  Once your adapter detects your network, it will walk you through connecting to it, including entering the passphrase.  You should be sure and save this connection as a "profile" so your utility will save the passphrase and make it easy to re-connect again.\n\nThat is really pretty much it.  The router should work without much attention.  You may need to occasionally reboot it, but I have little if any trouble with mine.  Remember too, that if you have or want additional computers to access the router that each computer will need its own wireless adapter as well.  USB adapters are a great choice for desktops or laptops, since they require no installation.\n\nEnjoy your new wireless network once you set it up!
492199
If your laptop is fairly new you should already have a built-in wireless network card.  If you don't, you can purchase a wireless PC or USB card from your local computer store.\n\nIf you want to connect to your DSL at home you must also have a Wireless Access Point or Router.  Some DSL providers provide it for free when you sign up with the for a year.\n\nIf you want to use wireless Internet in Public Places such as coffee shop you must pay a fee (Some coffee shops offer wireless for free) in which case if you have a laptop with Windows XP it should automatically detect wireless networks withing range.
253790
If you have built-in wifi, then you should just have to enable the wireless radio, search for available networks, and then configure your laptop for the network.  You can enable the radio through a wifi utility or via a button on your laptop.  Once it is enabled, you should be able to detect any available wifi networks.  If you find an available network, then you will need to configure your laptop with the appropriate information such as the SSID and the encryption key.
404425
your internet doesnt work because your network is not established\nmake sure channel, wep key, ssid are same on wireless adaptor and router,\ngo to router configuration page...\n1.see if it have access filter on,\n2.release and renew the ip address.\non your laptop, make sure it is using dhcp server\nif still not working you have to use a ethernet cable to connect laptop and router to do the above mentioned check on the router configuration.
510851
If you are using Windows XP it's really very easy.\n\nYou just need to make sure that the wireless card is switched on (usually there will be a small slider on the side of the laptop to turn it on) and when it's on there will be an orange/green light that comes on with a little picture of a satelittle.\n\nThen you will see a single monitor in your system tray (like the 2 little flashing monitors from your dialup). This is the wireless network icon, double click on it to search for wireless networks and connect to them.\n\nIt's all intuitive from there on, once you double click to choose a network it will connect and configure itself.\n\nIt's called Zero Configuration Wireless Service :)
764384
Wireless routers only accept external Internet connections from a hard LAN. They do not accept the incoming communication wirelessly. A wireless router will work without an Internet connection to create an internal home network, but will not have Internet access. Now you can buy a wireless LAN card for your laptop and if there are unsecured wireless networks within range you can get on the Internet by piggybacking on their signal. However, unless this a publicly open connection it will be considered stealing bandwidth.
284872
Hi there, \nI work as an IT analyst for BT's wireless internet access so hopefully I can help.\ntoo make your lap wireless enabled all you need to have is a wireless card , if this is a new laptop it will probably have one installed all ready---If your using it at home you will need to buy a wireless router, widely avaiable from about £20, quite simple to set up and then you can surf the net any where in the house.
64115
You need a Broadband Router. It will hook up with wires to one desktop and wirelessly with your laptop and other desktop. Your wireless desktop will need a PCI card adaptor and your laptop should already have one. You may need to configure your router, however. When you hook it up type in 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (thanks, madman)in your browser's address bar to set it up. \nThe best router is:\nLinksys Wireless-G Broadband Router\nModel #:WRT54G\nThe best PCI card is:\nLinksys Wireless-G PCI Card with Speed Booster\nModel #: WMP54GS\nYou can buy these at:\n\nhttp://www.BestBuy.com    \nhttp://www.CircuitCity.com    \nhttp://www.CompUSA.com  \nhttp://www.OfficeMax.com    \nhttp://www.RadioShack.com    \nhttp://www.Staples.com  \nhttp://www.officedepot.com  \n\nThe router is about $89.99 and the PCI card is about $59.99.
897112
There should be an icon on the right bottom corner that has a bubble that pops up when it detects wireless internet. Apparently your computer has a built-in wireless card so it should pick up signal. It is probably turned off, you can turn it on by going to the bottom right corner and looking for the icon with the little signal bars (sort of like on ur cellphone). Right click it and see what the status is, you might be getting low connectivity that does not allow you to connect. If it's not on, turn it on (enable). Your internet should work, it might not the first couple of times you open internet explorer (or whatever browser you use), but it will. Try it out at a library, coffee shop, or any place that offers free wi-fi.\nHope this helps
334162
Yea u can have wireless internet if ur computer has a wireless reciver and the place ur at offers wifi internet. If not then u have to get cable internet and hook up a wireless thing to it.
308292
Yes, maybe\n\n1> if they have a hotspot (wireless internet) and you have a wireless antenna in you laptop\n\n2> if you get cellular reception and have a PC card to log on over a satalite service like EDGE
470770
get a rotour.\nand for your laptop get a wireless router.
120561
I dont know if you mean wi-fi, or actually wireless go anywhere and use the internet on your laptop.  Wi-Fi must be within range of the signal being broadcast.  But Verizon does offer wireless internet access for $59 a month.  Its high speed and works like a cell phone.
172702
you firstly need a wireless card and router. most new laptops come pre-installed with a wireless card. so all you should have to do is buy a router. any electronics store and even wal-mart carry a large variety of routers. I personally use a microsoft router and have used it for quite some time and it have worked perfectly.