User's Manual

Configuration Overview
The Client Utility uses profiles to store connection parameters defining how your Wireless LAN
Client Adapter associates to a wireless network. Each profile contains information about the
target network including type of network connection and security settings.
To make it easy to connect to wireless networks at home, office, or wireless hotspot locations,
the Client Utility allows you to create multiple profiles, each profile contains information about a
different network and its set of configuration values. When you move from one location to
another, your Client Adapter automatically detects the currently available network(s) and applies
the correct profile. The Profiles tab on the Client Utility contains an entry for each profile.
The following rules apply when connecting to a wireless network:
The Client Utility always attempts to connect to the last successfully connected network. If that
network is not available, then the utility attempts to connect to a network with a configured
profile, in the order in which the profiles are listed.
If there are no previously configured profiles, or if it is not possible to connect to any currently
configured networks, the Client Adapter attempts to connect to an AP with the best signal quality,
open authentication, and no encryption.
If all the connection options fail, or if you want to connect to a different available network, you
can create a profile for the network with appropriate security parameters or double click that
network from the Available Networks tab. Clicking Save to Profile on the Connection tab will
make this network available for automatic connection in the future.
Scanning for Available Networks
Upon driver load, the Client Adapter scans for all networks within radio range and attempts to connect to
one of them based on previously created profiles with auto-connect enabled. It associates to the first
network it finds for which it can establish radio communications. Although association normally happens
automatically; it is recommended that you keep the Client Utility running while you are connected. This
enables you to verify the configuration and confirm that the SSID/BSSID to which you are connected is a
trusted component of your network.
Whenever the Client Utility is opened, an automatic scan is performed. You can also scan for networks on
demand, at any time.
To scan for available networks:
Choose
Start > Programs > ... > Client Utility
This sequence displays the application icon in the system tray.
Right click and select Open Wireless Network Monitor.
The Client Utility will open to the default view (Status); select the Networks tab and click the Refresh
button. Subsequent closing and reopening of the Client Utility from the system tray will return the Client
Utility to the last open view.
Installation and User Guide: Wireless LAN Client Page 33 of 46