User's Manual

3 Configuration
24 Installation and User Guide: Airgo Wireless LAN Client Adapter
Figure 13: Advanced Profile Settings
Network Settings
The Network section shows the type of network (infrastructure or ad-hoc) and contains an area to
enter the SSID (service set identifier), a name that uniquely identifies the network.
• Select Infrastructure to connect to an existing wireless network, usually with an interface to a
wired network, for Internet and email access, file sharing, and print and other services.
• Select Connect to Ad Hoc Network to attach to a temporary wireless network that has been
set up by another user.
• Select Start Ad-Hoc Network to create a temporary wireless network without using an access
point
Ad-hoc networks are generally used to enable file and print sharing for short-term activities such as
meetings or conferences. If you are creating a new ad-hoc network, use the default Auto-Channel
option, unless it is necessary for you to use a specific radio channel. The auto-channel option
automatically selects a channel to use for the ad-hoc network.
Power Setting
The Power Settings area contains a sliding bar to select a power output between the lowest and
highest available levels. Higher settings enable the highest performance. Lower settings draw less
power from your PC and are advisable when you want to conserve PC battery power or you know
that you are within close range of an access point.
Security Settings
The Security Settings area includes choices for configuring a secure connection between your PC
and access point. The next section, “Wireless Security,” provides background on wireless security
options and gives guidelines for security settings in the enterprise, small office, and home
environments.
Wireless Security
Although security is important in any network, the characteristics of wireless networks can make
them vulnerable to attack. Unlike wired networks, which require a physical connection that can be
secured with lock and key, wireless networks require only a radio signal for communication, and
physical barriers do not provide protection. A concern since the introduction of the IEEE 802.11