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Connecting to a Network: PRO/Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter User's Guide

Connecting to a Network using Intel(R) PROSet

Enabling Intel(R) PROSet to manage Your Wireless Connections

If you are using Windows XP as your wireless manager the following described how to enable Intel(R) PROSet as your wireless manager.

  1. From the Desktop, Click the Start button > Control Panel. If you are looking at the Category View of Control panel, click switch to classic view . If you are looking at the classic view of control panel, go to the next step.
  2. Right-click Network Connections, then click Open.
  3. In Wireless Network Connection Properties, Click the Wireless Network tab, verify that the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings checkbox is clear (unchecked).
  4. Double-click the Intel(R) PROSet icon in the desktop task tray.
  5. If you have previously setup your profiles, click the Networks tab. The profile list should display available networks to connect to. If no profiles have been established, refer to Creating a New Profile for more information.

System Wide Advanced Settings

Profile Management Options

The following Profile Management options can be found in Advanced Settings.

Display available networks when not associated: When cleared, disables the Intel(R) PROSet wireless manager dialog listing the available networks. When checked, the Intel Configuration Service running in the background automatically displays available networks not listed in the Profile List. This method provides automatic connection to available networks in the range of your wireless adapter. The Configuration Service constantly monitors your wireless adapter's connection status. If no matching profiles are found in the Profile List for a network, a dialog automatically displays the available network access points and computers (ad hoc mode) within range of the wireless adapter. The Configuration Service can also be used if there is more than one wireless adapter installed using 802.11b bands. When the Intel Configuration Service dialog is displayed, listing the available networks, checking "Don’t show this again" option, will prevent the dialog from displaying again if the adapter becomes unassociated. The Configuration Service will continue to function and attempt to connect, using a profile from the Profile List, or to an available network depending on the selection mode. This means that if Connect Using Preferred Profiles Only is selected and no matching profile is found, then the adapter will remain unassociated. You can still use the Connect button from the Networks tab to connect to an available network.

Notify when disabling profile management features: When cleared, Windows XP Zero Configuration wireless manager is enabled. When checked, a message dialog "Another wireless LAN utility is communicating with the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN adapter. To avoid conflicts, Intel(R) PROSet has temporarily disabled its Profile Management features" is displayed. For instance, if Windows XP Zero Configuration is enabled, the Connect button on the Profile page cannot be used to connect to any available networks. The Scan button can be used to scan for available networks. However, the Connect button is non-functioning when used to connect to an available network.

  • Ad hoc mode is disabled. The Connect button in the ad hoc connect dialog is non-functioning.
  • Task tray icon menu: Launching an ad hoc profile and applying a profile from the task tray menu is not available.

Notify when Windows XP Zero Configuration is enabled: If the box is cleared, it indicates that Windows XP Zero Configuration wireless manager is enabled. The XP message box is displayed indicating that Windows XP is currently configured to manage the wireless adapter. Do you wish to disable Windows XP management and let Intel(R) PROSet manage your wireless network?

  • Select yes, Intel(R) PROSet will manage the wireless adapter.
  • Select No, Windows XP will manage the wireless adapter.

If the box is checked, it indicates that Intel(R) PROSet wireless manager is enabled.

Enable Profile Management Features: If the box is checked, it indicates that Intel(R) PROSet is the default wireless network manager.  If cleared, Windows XP is the wireless network manager.

Intel(R) PROSet Configuration Service

The Configuration Service feature operates in background to automatically display available networks not listed in the Profile List. This method provides automatic connection in a 2.4 environment to available networks in the range of your wireless adapter. The Configuration Service constantly monitors your wireless adapter's connection status. If no matching profiles are found in the Profile List for a network, a dialog automatically displays the available network access points and computers (ad hoc mode) within range of the wireless adapter. The Configuration Service can also be used if there is more than one wireless adapter installed using 802.11b band.

The Configuration Service features:

  • The Configuration Service is launched when you log on to your computer.
  • No active profile switching will be performed. Once the adapter is associated with the access point, if a higher priority profile becomes available, no switching will occur.
  • The Configuration Service is only available if Intel(R) PROSet is installed.
  • If a connection to an access point cannot be made using any of the profiles in the Profile List, a dialog will display the available networks.
  • If there are multiple profiles listed for an available network, a dialog box will list the profiles for you to choose from.
  • If an available network is detected with WEP encryption and authentication, a dialog for setting up WEP encryption displays before the connection is made.
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The Configuration Service can be used in two ways:

  1. Connect to available network using profiles only: In this mode the Configuration Service attempts to connect to a network access point using profiles from the Profile List only. If no matching profile is found, a dialog appears that lists the available networks. You can also close this dialog without connecting by clicking the Cancel button. The adapter will remain unassociated, and the list of available networks will NOT be displayed again unless another available network is detected. This mode is set in the Advanced Setting options.
  2. Connect to any available network if no matching profile found: In this mode the Configuration Service attempts to connect to a network access point first using profiles from the Profile List. If no matching profile is found, the Configuration Service automatically connects to any available network. This mode is set in the Advanced Setting options.
    3.

Enabling Automatic Connection

The Configuration Service also monitors for the "resume status" after a laptop computer suspend event. When this occurs, the Configuration Service will re-enable the automatic connection service.

These features can be enabled again after rebooting your computer or after a suspend and resume cycle.

Features affected when another profile management application is detected 

For AAA Client:

Select OK, and the AAA Client application will manage the adapter. The current connection will continue with the affected Intel(R) PROSet features show below. To avoid conflicts, the Intel(R) PROSet profile management features have been temporarily disabled. To re-enable these features, first disable the other LAN utility and then either:

  1. Re-enable from Intel(R) PROSet's Advanced Settings.
  2. Resume after a computer suspend.
  3. Reboot the computer.

For Windows XP Zero Configuration:

  • Select Yes, to disable Windows XP Zero Configuration. Intel(R) PROSet will continue to manage the adapter. 
  • Select No, Windows XP will manage the adapter. The current connection will continue with the affected Intel(R) PROSet features show below. You can also prevent the dialog from being displayed again, in which case Windows XP Zero Configuration will automatically manage the wireless adapter. The notification dialog can be re-enabled from the Advanced Settings options.
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Affected Intel(R) PROSet features:

  • The Connect button on the Profile page is non-functioning.
  • The Scan button can be used to scan for available networks, however, the Connect button is non-functioning when used to connect to an available network.
  • Ad hoc mode is disabled. The Connect button in the ad hoc connect dialog is non-functioning.
  • Task tray icon menu: Launching an ad hoc profile and applying a profile from the task tray menu is not available.
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NOTE: If the buttons described above are used, the following message displays: "Another wireless LAN utility is communicating with the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN adapter. To avoid conflicts, Intel(R) PROSet has temporarily disabled its Profile Management features."

Scanning for Available Networks

A fast way to connect to a network is to use the Scan button to search for a network access point in range of your wireless adapter. When a network is found, you can instantly connect without a profile or create a new profile.

NOTE: Profiles with the Enable Auto-Import feature enabled will also be displayed in the profile list of available networks. Refer to Automatic Profile Distribution for more information.

To scan for available networks:

  1. From the General page, select the wireless adapter on the left side pane.
  2. Select the Networks tab.
  3. Click the Scan button.
  4. The Available Networks dialog displays the names of the available networks.
  5. Select the network from the list, and click the Connect button. Click the Refresh button to refresh the list of available networks.
  6. To connect without creating a profile, click No, connect me directly without creating a profile. 
  7. To create a new profile using the Profile Wizard, click Yes, create a profile for this network now.
  8. Click OK to connect to a network.

Connecting to a Network Using an Access Point

An infrastructure network consists of one or more access points and one or more computers with wireless adapters installed. Each access point must have a wired connection to the Local Area Network (LAN).

You can connect to a network by first creating a new profile using the Profile Wizard, then selecting that profile to connect to the network access point using the Connect button. You can also connect to a network, by using the Scan button. Refer to Creating a New Profile for more information.

Connecting to a Peer-to-Peer (Ad Hoc) Network

In peer-to-peer (ad hoc) mode, you can send and receive information to other computers in an ad hoc network. All wireless clients in the ad hoc network must use the same network name (SSID) and channel number. For a list of allowed 802.11b ad hoc channels, refer to the Adapter Settings for more information.

 
NOTE: While scanning with an ad hoc profile set to a specific transmit channel, if an ad hoc network is found on another channel, you will be connected using the new channel. The new channel number is displayed in the Adapter Settings.

Connect to an Ad Hoc Network

 
NOTE: For information about connecting to an ad hoc using a profile, refer to Create an Ad Hoc Profile using the Profile Wizard.

  • Connect using an ad hoc profile. Refer to Creating a New Profile for details. Select an ad hoc profile from the Profile List and click the Connect button. This method uses a pre-defined ad hoc profile created by the Profile Wizard. The ad hoc profile is displayed in the Profile List. When joining an ad hoc network, the transmit channel established by the first computer is used. This channel may be different than the one selected when the ad hoc profile was created by the Profile Wizard. 

Ending an Ad Hoc Session

To end an ad hoc session, click the Close button. After the session is ended, an attempt is made to re-connect to the last profile used from the Profile List.

Creating an Ad Hoc Profile Using the Profile Wizard

The following describes how to create a new ad hoc profile using the Profile Wizard and connect to an ad hoc network.

General Settings

  1. From the General page, click the Networks tab.
  2. Click the Add button. The General Settings dialog displays.
  3. Enter a profile name in the Profile Name field.
  4. Enter the network SSID, in the Network Name (SSID) field.
  5. Click Ad hoc operating mode.
  6. Click Password protect this profile to set a profile password.
  7. Click Next.

Security Settings

  1. Select either None, WEP for the data encryption. 
  2. If WEP is selected, select either 64 or 128-bit for the Encryption Level.
  3. Select the key index 1, 2, 3 or 4.
  4. Enter the required pass phrase or hex key.
  5. If the Password Protection checkbox was checked on the General settings page, then
    click Next to display the Password page. 

Password Protection Settings

  1. Click the Password protect this profile checkbox.
  2. Enter a password in the Password field.
  3. Reenter the same password in the Confirm New Password field.
  4. Click the Back button to change or verify the settings or click Finish when you have completed the profile settings and return to the Networks page.

Connect to the Network

  1. Changing the default transmit channel from the Adapter tab:  Unless the other computers in the ad hoc network use a different channel from the default channel, there is no need to change the default channel. If you want to change the default channel, click the Adapter tab, and click Configure under Ad Hoc Channel Selection. Choose the operating band select a channel. Click OK to save the setting.
  2. Select the Networks tab
  3. After creating the new profile, click the profile in the Profile List. Profiles using ad hoc mode are indicated by a computer icon next to the profile name.
  4. Click the Connect button to connect to the ad hoc network.

Switching the Radio Off/On

When your computer is switched on, if the radio is enabled it is constantly transmitting signals. In certain situations, such as landing or takeoff of an airplane, the radio signals may need to be turned off, if not these signals may cause interference. The following describes how to use your keyboard (if this option is available) and Intel(R) PROSet to switch the radio on or off.

The radio can be enabled or disabled from your computer keyboard, the task tray wireless menu option and from Intel(R) PROSet. The current status of the radio is displayed in the task tray wireless icon and on the General page.

Using the optional hardware radio on/off switch

The radio can enabled or disabled from your keyboard, or from an external hardware switch if these options are available. Refer to your computer manufacturer for more information. Intel(R) PROSet displays the current state of the radio on the General page if one of these option is installed. 

Using Intel(R) PROSet to switch the radio on/off

The radio can be switched on or off from General page in Intel(R) PROSet.  The current state of the radio is displayed in the wireless adapter task tray menu option. The General page also displays the current state of the radio if the hardware option is installed.  

Switching the radio On/Off

Note: When your laptop is switched on, the radio is constantly transmitting signals. In certain situations, such as in a plane, signals from the radio may cause interference.

To switch the radio OFF: From the General page; click the Off button next to Switch Radio On/Off. 

  • The wireless adapter is not associated with the network when the radio is off.
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  • Intel(R) PROSet can be used to edit or add profile contents when the radio is off.

To switch the radio ON: From the General page; click the On button next to Switch Radio On/Off.

When the radio is on, an attempt will be made to associate with the network access point using the last profile. If the adapter cannot connect to the access point, the Configuration Service will attempt to find an available network. Refer to Configuration Service for more information.

Switching the radio on or off from the Task Tray menu option

Right-click the wireless icon in the task tray and select the wireless adapter being used. Depending on the previous state of the radio, select Switch Radio Off (radio is already ON, select to turn OFF) or Switch Radio On (radio is already OFF, select to turn ON).

Disable the Radio in Windows

The radio can be disabled (made non-functional) via the Windows operating system using Device Manager. 

Windows XP/2000

  1. From your desktop, right-click My Computer and click Properties.
  2. Click the Hardware tab.
  3. Click the Device Manager button.
  4. Double-click Network adapters.
  5. Right-click the installed wireless adapter in use.
  6. Choose Disable from the pop-up menu.
  7. Click OK.

Viewing the Adapter Advanced Setting in Windows

The adapter Advanced tab option under Windows XP and 2000 are:

  • Ad Hoc Transmit Power - Set the 802.11b ad hoc output power level of the wireless adapter. Also available in the PROSet Adapter tab.

  • Band selection - Select between 802.11a and 802.11b bands. Also available in the PROSet Advanced dialog.

  • Power Management - Set a balance between the computer's power source and the battery. Also available in the PROSet Adapter tab.

  • TCP Tx Power - 802.11a transmission power settings. Also available in the PROSet Adapter tab.

  • Preamble - The preamble property allows you to select the length of the preamble used to make a connection. Only available in the Windows Advanced dialog. See "Changing the Preamble Length Setting" below for details..

To access the Windows Advanced options:

  1.  From your desktop, right-click My Computer and click Properties.
  2. Click the Hardware tab.
  3. Click the Device Manager button.
  4. Double-click Network adapters.
  5. Right-click the name of the installed wireless adapter in use.
  6. Select the Advanced tab.

Changing the Preamble Length Setting

The preamble property allows you to select the length of the preamble used to make a connection. If you have a problem connecting to an access point, please contact your system administrator or check the preamble length setting. If it is determined that a long preamble length is required to connect to the access point, try changing the preamble to "Long Only," this option always uses a long preamble to connect to the access point. The "Auto" (Default) setting option allows automatic detection of the preamble setting received from the access point to enable the appropriate preamble option. Short preamble is used if this option is supported, if not, long preamble is used.

To enable "Long Only" preamble length under Windows XP and 2000:

  1. Start Windows and log on with administrative privileges.
  2. Right-click on My computer on your Desktop and select Properties.
  3. Click the Hardware Tab and click Device Manager.
  4. Click Network Adapter, locate your installed wireless adapter, right-click on the device and select Property.
  5. Click on Advanced Tab.
  6. Select Preamble.
  7. Click Use default value, to uncheck the box.
  8. Select Long Only from the drop-down box.
  9. Click OK to save and exit the dialog.

Advanced Tab Preamble Description

Property Value
Preamble Auto (Default): This option allows automatic detection of the preamble setting received from the access point to enable the appropriate preamble option. Short preamble is used if this option is supported, if not, long preamble is used.
  Long Only: Always use a long preamble length to connect to an access point.  

 

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