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Wireless (Select Models Only)
User Guide
Product notice
This user guide describes features that are common to most models. Some features may not be
available on your computer.
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Product notice
Table of contents
2 Using a WLAN
3 Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only)
4 Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only)
5 Troubleshooting wireless connection problems
Current network security codes are unavailable ................................................................................ 21
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1 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.
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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.
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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.
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802.11a supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 5 GHz.
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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.
1
Identifying wireless and network status icons
Icon
Name
Description
Wireless (connected)
Identifies the location of the wireless lights and the wireless
buttons 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.
Wireless network connection (connected)
Wireless network connection (disconnected)
Indicates that one or more of your WLAN devices are connected
to the network.
Indicates that one or more of your WLAN devices are not
connected to a network.
Network status (connected)
Indicates that one or more of your LAN drivers are installed and
one or more LAN devices are connected to the network.
Network status (disconnected)
Indicates that one or more of your LAN drivers are installed but
no LAN devices are connected to the network.
2
Chapter 1 Using wireless devices (select models only)
Using the wireless controls
You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:
Wireless button or wireless switch (referred to in this guide as the wireless button)
Wireless Assistant software (select models only)
Operating system controls
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Using the wireless controls
3
Using the wireless button
The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights,
depending on the model. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the
wireless light is on (blue) 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 blue, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light is off, all
wireless devices are off.
NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when 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).
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Chapter 1 Using wireless devices (select models only)
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 the Setup Utility, it must be reenabled by the 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, position the mouse pointer over the wireless icon in the
notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
NOTE: To display the Wireless icon, click the Show Hidden Icons icon (< or <<) in the notification
area.
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 > Mobile PC > Windows Mobility Center.
2. Click the wireless icon in the Wireless Assistant tile, which is located in the bottom-left corner of
Windows® Mobility Center.
3. Click Properties.
4. Select the check box next to HP Wireless Assistant icon in notification area.
5. Click Apply.
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 Wireless Assistant software (select models only)
5
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
connections.
To access the Network and Sharing Center, click Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet >
Network and Sharing Center.
For more information, click Start > Help and Support.
6
Chapter 1 Using wireless devices (select models only)
2 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.
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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.
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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).
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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
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Internet service provider (ISP)
A wireless router (purchased separately) (2)
The wireless computer (3)
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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.
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Chapter 2 Using a WLAN
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 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
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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.
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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.
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Close your network
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If possible, prevent your network name (SSID) from being broadcast by the wireless transmitter.
Most networks initially broadcast the name, telling any computer nearby that your network is
available. By closing the network, other computers are less likely to know that your network exists.
NOTE: If your network is closed and the SSID is not broadcast, you will need to know or remember
the SSID to connect new devices to the network. Write down the SSID and store it in a secure
place before closing the network.
Protecting your WLAN
9
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 on. If the wireless light is off,
press the wireless button.
NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.
2. Select Start > Connect to.
3. Select your WLAN from the list, and then type the network security key, if required.
If the network is unsecured, meaning that anyone can access the network, a warning is
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displayed. Click Connect Anyway to accept the warning and complete the connection.
If the network is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a network security key,
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which is a security code. Type the code, and then click Connect 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 Set up a 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.
4. After the connection is made, place the mouse pointer over the wireless network connection icon
in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, to verify the name, speed, strength, 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 user guides included with your wireless router and other WLAN
equipment
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Information and Web site links provided in Help and Support
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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.
10 Chapter 2 Using a WLAN
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.
Roaming to another network 11
3 Using HP Mobile Broadband (select
models only)
HP Mobile Broadband enables your computer to access the Internet from more places and over larger
areas than are possible with 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) module, which provides access to networks based on the
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) telecommunications standard.
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EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized), which provides access to networks based on the code division
multiple access (CDMA) telecommunications standard.
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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
12 Chapter 3 Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only)
Inserting a SIM
CAUTION: 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.
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. Reconnect external power.
10. Reconnect external devices.
11. Turn on the computer.
Inserting a SIM 13
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. Reconnect external power.
10. Reconnect external devices.
11. Turn on the computer.
14 Chapter 3 Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only)
4 Using Bluetooth wireless devices
(select models only)
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)
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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.
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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.
16 Chapter 4 Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only)
5 Troubleshooting wireless connection
problems
Some possible causes for wireless connection problems include the following:
Wireless device is not installed correctly or has been disabled.
Wireless device or router hardware has failed.
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Network configuration (SSID or security) has been changed.
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.
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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 > Computer > System properties.
2. In the left pane, click Device Manager.
3. Identify the WLAN device from the Network adapters list. The listing for a WLAN device may include
the term wireless, wireless LAN, WLAN, or 802.11.
If no WLAN device is listed, either your computer does not have an integrated WLAN device, or
the driver for the WLAN device is not properly installed.
For more information on troubleshooting WLANs, refer to the Web site links provided in Help and
Support.
18 Chapter 5 Troubleshooting wireless connection problems
Cannot connect to a preferred network
Windows can automatically repair a corrupted WLAN connection:
If there is a network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, right-click the
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icon, and then click Diagnose and repair from the menu.
NOTE: To display the network status icon, click the Show Hidden Icons icon (< or <<) in the
notification area.
Windows resets your network device and attempts to reconnect to one of the preferred networks.
If an “x” is superimposed over the network status icon, one or more of your WLAN or LAN drivers
are installed but the computer is not connected.
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If there is no network status icon in the notification area, follow these steps:
1. Click Start and type network and sharingin the Start Search box.
2. From the list of search results, click Network and Sharing Center.
3. In the left pane, click Diagnose and repair.
The Network connections window is displayed, and Windows resets your network device and
then attempts to reconnect to one of the preferred networks.
Cannot connect to a preferred network 19
Network status icon is not displayed
If the network status 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 device software and drivers for your computer from the HP Web site
manufacturer's Web site for the latest software.
To get the latest version of the WLAN device software for your computer, follow these steps:
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.
NOTE: If the WLAN device you are using was purchased separately, consult the manufacturer's Web
site for the latest software.
20 Chapter 5 Troubleshooting wireless connection problems
Current network security codes are unavailable
If you are prompted for a network key or an 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 you enter into your computer to 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.
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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.
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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.
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 > Network > Network and Sharing Center > Manage wireless networks.
A list showing the available WLANs is displayed. If you are in a hotspot where several WLANs are
active, several will be displayed.
2. 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.
3. Click the Security tab and enter the correct wireless encryption data into the Network security
key box.
4. Click OK to save these settings.
Current network security codes are unavailable 21
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.
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Temporarily disconnect devices such as a microwave, cordless phone, or cellular phone to be sure
that other wireless devices are not interfering.
If the connection does not improve, try forcing the device to reestablish all connection values:
1. Select Start > Network > Network and Sharing Center > Manage wireless networks.
A list showing the available WLANs is displayed. If you are in a hotspot where several WLANs are
active, several will be displayed.
2. Right-click a network, and then click Remove network.
22 Chapter 5 Troubleshooting wireless connection problems
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 manufacturer's instructions.
Cannot connect to the wireless router 23
Index
B
setup of WLAN
SIM
inserting 13
removing 14
software
C
Wireless Assistant
E
T
encryption
troubleshooting 17
F
W
firewall
wireless button
wireless controls
H
HP Mobile Broadband,
disabled 13
button
operating system
Wireless Assistant software
wireless devices
types
wireless icon
wireless light
wireless network (WLAN)
connecting 10
I
icons
wireless
Internet connection setup
corporate WLAN
connection 10
described
M
equipment needed
N
security
WLAN
WLAN device
network security codes
SSID 21
P
S
security, wireless
24 Index
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