User's Manual

By default, adapter switching uses the wired Ethernet adapter when both wired and wireless
adapters are present and working. If you detach the wired adapter, adapter switching
automatically switches to the wireless adapter. When you attach an Ethernet cable again,
adapter switching automatically switches back to the wired Ethernet connection.
You can change your wireless preferences from the Advanced Settings dialog and prioritize
your wireless and wired adapters from the Adapter Switching dialog.
You can also install multiple wired adapters, or install two wireless adapters if the network
supports both 802.11a and 802.11b wireless standards. Then when you detach the wired
adapter, your computer uses the wireless adapter that gives the best data rate.
Wireless Preferences
One or more wired adapter and one or two wireless adapter can be installed in the same
computer. Using the adapter switching feature, you can select your priority for a specific type of
adapter, wired or wireless.
If adapter switching is enabled, the installed adapters are selected from a preference list. To
access the network preferences:
1. From the General page, select the wireless adapter on the left side pane.
2. Click the Networks tab.
3. Click the Advanced button.
4. Select your preferences from the options shown.
5. Click OK to save the settings and return to the Profiles dialog.
Adapter Switching Considerations
Consider the following issues when switching adapters:
• Adapter switching requires the use of DHCP. It cannot be used with fixed IP addressing.
• Only Intel wired and wireless adapters are supported when using the Start button to
connect to an ad hoc network.
• Adapter switching cannot be used on a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
• Adapter switching should not be applied while an active data transfer is in progress.
• Intel(R) PROSet determines how many wireless adapters are present in the computer.
• Intel(R) PROSet supports simultaneous wireless adapter operation for the following:
o 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz installed adapters: Supports simultaneous operation in
either ad hoc or infrastructure mode.
o 2.4 GHz and 2.4 GHz installed adapters: Supports simultaneous operation
where one adapter is in ad hoc mode and the other adapter is in infrastructure
mode. Simultaneous operation with both adapters in infrastructure or ad hoc
mode is not be supported.
o The second adapter added is not supported.
o 5 GHz and 5 GHz installed adapters: Supports simultaneous operation where
one adapter is in ad hoc mode and the other adapter is in infrastructure mode.
Simultaneous operation with both adapters in infrastructure mode or ad hoc is
not supported.
o The second adapter added is not supported.