HP Pavilion DV6833 User manual

Wireless (Select Models Only)
User Guide

© Copyright 2007, 2008 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
Windows is a U.S. registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation. Bluetooth is a
trademark owned by its proprietor and used
by Hewlett-Packard Company under license.
The information contained herein is subject
to change without notice. The only
warranties for HP products and services are
set forth in the express warranty statements
accompanying such products and services.
Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting an additional warranty. HP shall
not be liable for technical or editorial errors
or omissions contained herein.
Second Edition: March 2008
First Edition: April 2007
Document Part Number: 445451–002

Product notice
This user guide describes features that are common to most models. Some features may not be
available on your computer.
iii

iv Product notice

Table of contents
1 Using wireless devices (select models only)
Identifying wireless and network status icons ...................................................................................... 2
Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................................... 3
Using the wireless button ..................................................................................................................... 4
Using Wireless Assistant software (select models only) ...................................................................... 5
Using operating system controls .......................................................................................................... 6
2 Setting up a WLAN (select models only)
Determining wireless hardware requirements ...................................................................................... 8
Preparing the router and the computer ................................................................................................ 9
Launching Network Assistant ............................................................................................................. 10
Configuring router settings ................................................................................................................. 11
Configuring wireless device settings .................................................................................................. 12
Saving and using the wireless setup package ................................................................................... 13
Protecting your WLAN ........................................................................................................................ 14
3 Using a WLAN
Connecting to a WLAN ....................................................................................................................... 16
Roaming to another network .............................................................................................................. 17
4 Using HP Broadband Wireless (select models only)
5 Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only)
Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) .............................................................................. 20
6 Troubleshooting wireless connection problems
Cannot connect to a WLAN ................................................................................................................ 22
Cannot launch WLAN ......................................................................................................................... 23
Network status icon is not displayed .................................................................................................. 24
Current network security codes are unavailable ................................................................................ 25
WLAN connection is very weak .......................................................................................................... 26
Cannot connect to the wireless router ................................................................................................ 27
Cannot connect to a wireless network used previously ...................................................................... 28
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 29
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vi

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.
●HP Broadband Wireless Module (WWAN device)—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 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 270 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 Identifies the location of the wireless lights, the wireless button, and the
Wireless Assistant software.
Network status
(connected)
Indicates that one or more of your WLAN or LAN drivers are installed
and one or more WLAN devices are connected to the network.
Network status
(disconnected)
Indicates that one or more of your WLAN or LAN drivers are installed
but no WLAN 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
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 turned 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).
4 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, click Start >Windows Mobility Center >Wireless
Assistant, which is located in the bottom left of Windows® Mobility Center.
If the network status icon is not displayed in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, and
Wireless Assistant is installed, complete the following steps to reapply the WLAN device driver:
1. Open Wireless Assistant by clicking the wireless icon in Windows Mobility Center.
2. Click Properties >Wireless Assistant >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 more information, refer to the user guide for your operating system.
6 Chapter 1 Using wireless devices (select models only)

2 Setting up a WLAN (select models only)
Setting up a WLAN allows you to connect multiple computers together, share a printer, and access the
Internet without using cables.
To simplify the setup process, HP provides a downloadable Network Assistant that discovers your router
and the wireless devices in your computer and sets up a secure WLAN in minutes.
7

Determining wireless hardware requirements
Before setting up a WLAN, be sure to have the following:
●High-speed Internet connection, such as cable, DSL, or other broadband technology. Your
Internet service provider (ISP) will provide you with the modem, Internet service, and the broadband
Internet configuration settings.
●Wireless access point or wireless router, which provides the gateway for accessing your Internet
connection or fixed WLAN.
●WLAN device for your computer, such as one of the following:
◦Integrated wireless device
◦PC Card adapter
◦USB adapter
8 Chapter 2 Setting up a WLAN (select models only)

Preparing the router and the computer
Since the HP Network Assistant is a Web-based application, you must use an Ethernet cable to establish
a good Internet connection from your computer through a router and a modem to your ISP.
NOTE: If you do not have an Internet connection, you must contact an ISP and set up your service
before you can connect to the Internet.
Use the following steps to establish the wired connection:
1. If you have not already done so, connect the modem (1) (either DSL or cable modem) to the phone
or cable TV jack on the wall.
2. Connect the wireless router (purchased separately) (2) to the cable or DSL modem using an
Ethernet cable.
3. Connect the router to the computer (3) using an Ethernet cable.
4. Verify that your computer can access the Internet by opening Internet Explorer and connecting to
any Web site, such as http://www.hp.com.
5. If you are unable to access the Internet, or receive an error message such as “Cannot Open Internet
Site,” reset the connection options:
a. From the tool bar in Internet Explorer, click Tools >Internet Options >Connections >LAN
settings.
b. In the Automatic configuration section, select the Automatically detect settings check
box, and then click OK.
c. Close and then reopen Internet Explorer.
Preparing the router and the computer 9

Launching Network Assistant
1. Be sure that your computer is connected to the Internet.
2. Open Wireless Assistant by clicking the wireless icon in Windows Mobility Center.
3. Click Setup at the bottom of the window to launch Network Assistant.
4. Click Next to begin the router identification process.
Network Assistant will check your system, identify the router, and determine whether the router is
connected to the Internet.
NOTE: Network Assistant supports most commercially available routers. If the router you are
using is not listed, you will not be able to use Network Assistant and should use the information
provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP to set up your WLAN.
If you have not already connected the computer to the router using an Ethernet cable, Network
Assistant will prompt you to do that now.
5. If Network Assistant identifies the router, it will prompt you for permission to configure the router.
– or –
If Network Assistant cannot identify the router, it will prompt you for additional information. Select
the manufacturer and model, and then click Next.
10 Chapter 2 Setting up a WLAN (select models only)

Configuring router settings
When Network Assistant has detected that your computer is connected to the Internet through a router,
it will prompt you for permission to continue:
1. Click Next to check existing router settings.
NOTE: If you have already configured a router password, Network Assistant will prompt you to
enter that password. If you do not remember the router password, follow the instructions that came
with your router to reset the password.
After Network Assistant checks your existing router configuration, it displays the basic wireless
router settings. You may accept the existing values or you may enter new values.
HP recommends that you enter new, unique Service Site Identifier (SSID) values.
2. Type a unique name in the Network name box to identify the network.
3. Create a Network key. To ensure security, follow these guidelines:
●Select the Network key check box, and then type a combination of 5 to 10 alphanumeric
characters in the space provided to create a new Network key.
– or –
●Select the Network key check box, and then click Generate. Network Assistant will select a
unique network key for you.
Configuring router settings 11

Configuring wireless device settings
After configuring the wireless router, Network Assistant will prompt you for permission to automatically
apply the same network name and security settings to the WLAN device on your computer.
1. Click Next, and Network Assistant will configure the wireless settings.
During the configuration process, informational messages are displayed above the network status
icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
When Network Assistant successfully configures the router and WLAN device, connects your
computer to the WLAN, and verifies that a wireless Internet connection exists, it displays a
“Congratulations” page.
2. If you will be connecting additional computers to the WLAN, click Save the wireless setup
package. Otherwise, click Finish to exit Network Assistant.
3. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from your computer, if you like. The WLAN is now connected.
The illustration below shows a WLAN installation connected with the following equipment:
●A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1)
●A wireless router (2)
●A wireless computer (3)
12 Chapter 2 Setting up a WLAN (select models only)

Saving and using the wireless setup package
After Network Assistant completes the first connection, it prompts you for a decision about connecting
other computers to your WLAN.
●Click the Save button to copy the PCConnect.exe setup wizard and your settings to a removable
disc.
●Click Finish to exit Network Assistant.
●To connect another computer device to the WLAN, insert the disc containing the setup wizard into
the computer or device that has a WLAN device, and run the wizard.
The computer or device will be automatically configured to connect to your WLAN.
●When you change the network name or network key, run Network Assistant again to create a new
setup wizard.
Saving and using the wireless setup package 13

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
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.
●Close your network
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.
14 Chapter 2 Setting up a WLAN (select models only)