Replacing the Wireless card of a Thinkpad T61p (probably the same in all computers)

I have an US Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965AGN card.
I need to change it to an European one (also Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965AGN), because of the extra channels (12 and 13).

To do this, do I just need to change a configuration or I have to buy a new one and install it?

Is it easy to install? Or does it have to be a specialized shop?

Also, can I buy any european Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965AGN card? Or different laptops use physically different versions of this card.

Finally, should it have a signature with an IBM FRU?

 

This will answer your question, so no need to replace card:
http://www.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/sb/CS-006064.htm

 

Thanks for the valuable link. Glad to know we don't have to change the wireless card when we move from one zone to another.

One thing they don't say there: how to switch from "ad hoc mode (adapter to adapter)" to "Infrastructure mode (adapter to access point)"...

 

You can use Intel's ProSet software or IBM's Access Connection an create the profiles, though Access Connections does not support WPA2 while Intel does.

 

...I see. But have you ever tried it.

I've seen in other forums that what Intel was saying is only applicable to Japanese/European cards... Those cards have to receive/transmit in less channels, but the US ones have to receive/transmit in more channels...

 

Well, I won't be traveling to those areas any time soon, but Intel clearly states:
"When in infrastructure mode (adapter to access point) - the channel that the adapter utilizes is the same as the access point (AP) is using. Hence the AP is assumed correct for its regulatory domain and the adapter is likewise using only allowed channels."

They used to have different WIFI cards for other countries on the old Thinkpad A30's or before, but that is not the case anymore.

If you need more reasurence call Intel directly and ask them.

 

Yes, I think you're right. I will only be sure when I try it though (1 month or so from now).
Thanks for your help.

 

I found this: http://download.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/4965agn/sb/4965agnregulatorymarkingwebflyerr22ww48.pdf.
Not really sure what it means, though. Maybe the countries where the card functions...

 

It's just to show that the cards passed certification for all those countries.

 

BTW, what's WPA2?

 

Wi-Fi Protected Access version 2.

 

Another thread on the subject, corroborating that EU/US/JAP cards are all the same: http://www.linksysinfo.org/forums/showthread.php?p=316787

 

Don't BS the man Access Connections does indeed have WPA2. I'm using it right now.

 

How rude to assume.

Anyway, I did look it up in the AC manual and it does show support for WPA2. I was going by what Lenovo TVT support told me, as I dont support that software.

 

Just received this e-mail from Intel:

This is from another e-mail I received (also from Intel):

So, there are differences between cards. But, I don't think that this means that US cards can't receive/transmit the additional channels. So, there's probably no need for those who have an US card to replace it.