Wireless Networking Lawrenceville GA

You can choose between three network access modes when locating available Wi-Fi networks within range of your computer. Each network access mode offers a different level of security.

After you've connected to a network, the Wireless Network Connection window enables you to manage your network connections. Using this window you can connect or disconnect from networks, or change the order of preferred networks when more than one is available.

Choosing a network access mode

Follow these steps to choose a network access mode:

1. Double-click the wireless connection icon in the Windows system tray (in the lower-right corner of the screen).

If you don't see a wireless connection icon in the system tray, choose Start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> Communications --> Network Connections. Right-click your wireless connection and choose Properties. Select the Show Icon in Notification Area When Connected check box and click OK.

2. In the Wireless Network Connection Status dialog box, click the Properties button.

3. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box, click the Wireless Networks tab.

4. Click the Advanced button to open the Advanced dialog box.

5. Choose a network access mode:

• Any Available Network (Access Point Preferred): The computer tries to connect to any wireless network that is detected.

• Access Point (Infrastructure) Networks Only: The computer tries to connect to networks using a wireless access point. This setting gives you more security, especially at Wi-Fi hotspots.

• Computer-to-Computer (Ad Hoc) Networks Only: The computer tries to connect to other computers, called ad hoc networking.

6. If you want to automatically log on to any available wireless network, select the Automatically Connect to Non-Preferred Networks check box.

Automatically logging on to any available network could leave your computer vulnerable to unknown and untrusted networks. Do not enable this option if your computer contains sensitive or personal information.

7. Click Close to close the Advanced dialog box and click OK to close all remaining dialog boxes.

Searching for wireless networks

Use these steps to search for a wireless network within range of your computer:

1. Double-click the wireless connection icon in the Windows system tray.

2. In the Wireless Network Connection Status dialog box, click the View Wireless Networks button.

3. In the resulting Wireless Network Connection window, click Refresh Network List in the Network Tasks menu on the left side of the screen.