what is purpose of WWAN switch on front of case?

On the front of my T61 case is a switch that I think turns the WWAN card on/off. Is this correct, and why do I need it? Since I control the Verizon connection using VZAccess Manager, I can't figure out what purpose the physical switch serves.

TIA!

Stuart

 

It turns off all of the wireless radios (WLAN, WWAN, BT). Comes in handy on a plane or businesses that don't allow wireless radios.

 

The switch turns off all wireless functions. WiFi, WWAN, Bluetooth, WUSB, etc. It is particularly handy when you're on a plane where wireless use is prohibited.

 

Thanks. That was driving me crazy, trying to figure out.

I've always just assumed since I couldn't connect while airborne, the status of my wireless devices didn't matter. But I guess it could also be a power saver too?

 

When a laptop is out of service range, it still transmit signals to find networks. This transmission may interfere with avionic computers, so they are banned in flight.

See: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cellonplanes.html

Power saving is another benefit of switching off the wireless devices.

 

But we can control the on/off status with Fn-X (x is the correct F key, i do not remember it right now). What is the difference by leave that switch open at all times and on/of the wireless through the key combination when needed ??

 

When you turn the switch off, that means even during boot time you will not receive any wireless signals, which will not disrupt any other transmissions in banned wireless areas.

 

Hmmm...it can receive wireless signals if the switch is at ON position but OFF through software ?
I use it open and control it through the keyboard, it is really ackward to use this sswitch every time, sometime will break...

 

Unless you're a businessman or fly a lot, you will not have to worry about the switch. You can stick with the keyboard switch instead; I don't even use the WWAN front switch.

The WWAN front switch will override the software keyboard switch. If the front switch is off, that means all wireless is OFF and cannot be turned on unless you turn move the front switch back to ON.

Think of the ON switch as giving you the capability to use the keyboard switch.

 

Ok, i see. Thanks!

 

I use it to turn on and off my wireless when I am in class. Useful feature to me, it's funny though how you look at the power manager before and after you turn it off and on. I usually get a big 2-3 hour claimed difference.

 

I love the feature, works really well when I am flying