User manual

If you elect to use one of these alternative options, you will be setting
up your computer to operate in an infrastructure network even though
you will be using it in the field. Since these devices act as wireless access
points, you should follow the directions in setting up your system to operate
in that manner. Please note that you should also refer to the documentation
that comes with these products as there may be special setup requirements
necessary to use them in the desired fashion.
B.3 Infrastructure Networks
Connecting to an infrastructure network is the simplest method of config-
uring your wireless transmitter as many of the setup steps will be handled
by your access point and router. The following paragraphs cover the details
of going through this process to get your computer set up with the desired
network. Note that this section does not cover the setup of the wireless net-
work equipment as this will vary from device to device - please refer to the
documentation that came with your equipment for instructions on how to do
this.
Once the network is in place, the Windows XP drivers automate almost
all of the initial configuration process. To connect to the network, right
click on your wireless adapter’s tray icon, select View Available Wireless
Networks and the dialog shown in figure B.1 will be shown. The panel on
the right lists the networks that Windows has detected - simply select the
network that you would like to use and then click the connect button. If
the network has any form of encryption enabled, you will be prompted for
any additional information and the system will handle the rest.
To ensure that your system will remain connected to the desired network,
there are a few other measures that you can take. While still in the Wire-
less Network Connection dialog (fig. B.1) click the Change advanced
settings link to show the dialog pictured in figure B.2. Select the network
that you have just connected to from the Preferred networks list and then
press the Move Up button until it is at the top of the list. Doing this places
the network at the top of the priority list, so that whenever it is in range your
laptop will connect to it instead of other networks that may be in the area.
Click the OK button to commit these settings and then close any remaining
windows.
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