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Connecting to a Network: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG User's Guide


Connecting to a Network using Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless


Enabling Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless to manage Your Wireless Connections

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

  1. From the desktop, Click the Start button > Control Panel. Double-click Network Connections, right-click Wireless Network Connection, then click Properties.
  2. In Wireless Network Connection Properties, Click the Wireless Network tab.
  3. Verify that the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings checkbox is clear (unchecked).
  4. Double-click the Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless 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.

How to access Advanced Settings

Use the Advanced Setting to configure your network connection preferences, and profile management option.

To access the Advanced Settings:

  1. From the General page, click the Networks tab.
  2. Click the Advanced button.

Advanced Settings:

Refer to System Wide Settings for more about profile management options in Advanced Settings. 


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 for Wireless 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:

Check: If Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless is currently managing your wireless adapter a message dialog displays "Windows XP is managing your profiles" if  Windows XP Zero Configuration becomes enabled.

If any other wireless manager (not Windows XP wireless manager) becomes enabled the message dialog displays "Another wireless LAN utility is communicating with the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN adapter. To avoid conflicts, Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless has temporarily disabled its Profile Management features."

Clear: If Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless is currently managing your wireless adapter you will not be notified in the event that Windows XP Zero Configuration or any other wireless manager becomes enabled.

In the event that Windows XP Zero Configuration is enabled, and this box is cleared, or you answer no to the above question, 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.

Notify when Windows XP Zero Configuration is enabled:

Check: If the box is checked, when Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless starts up, a message dialog displays "Windows XP is managing your profiles" if  Windows XP Zero Configuration is enabled, 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 for Wireless manage your wireless network?

Clear: If the box is cleared, when Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless starts up, you will not be notified in the event that Windows XP Zero Configuration wireless manager is enabled.

Enable Profile Management Features: If the box is checked, it indicates that Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless is configured to manage your wireless adapter. If cleared, Windows XP is the wireless network manager.


Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless 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 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.

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 for Wireless features show below. To avoid conflicts, the Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless 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 for Wireless Advanced Settings.
  2. Resume after a computer suspend.
  3. Reboot the computer.
NOTE: AAA Client Wireless Manager - If Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless detects another wireless AAA client manager, a notification dialog displays, if you choose "OK" on this dialog, the Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless profile management features are automatically disabled. The Advanced Setting "Notify when disabling profile management features" check box must be checked in order to display the notification dialog if Windows XP Zero Configuration in not enabled. The default setting is enabled (checked).

For Windows XP Zero Configuration:

Affected Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless features:

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 for Wireless 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. Click the Refresh button to refresh the list of available networks.
  5. Select the network from the list, and click the Connect button.
  6. Select the network profile name with <no profile> shown, and click the Connect button.
  7. Click the No, connect me directly without creating a profile option. Note, you can click Yes, create a profile for this network now to create a profile to be used later.
NOTE: If the selected network has 802.1x authentication, you must first create a profile using the Profile Wizard. However, if the network has no WEP security (Open), WEP 64 or 128-bit encryption, or WPA-PSK, you can enter the required security settings in the dialog that displays after clicking the Connect button. Then a one time connection without a profile can be made.
  1. 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

Connect or Start an Ad Hoc Network
Start an Ad Hoc Network
Ending an Ad Hoc Session
Creating an Ad Hoc Profile Using the Profile Wizard

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 to an ad hoc network using a profile

Join an ad hoc network without a profile

Start an Ad Hoc Network

You can start an ad hoc network by using your computer as a wireless station. This method uses your computer's SSID to establish the ad hoc network for other users to connect to. When you are the originator of an ad hoc network, all other users must use the channel and SSID.

Ending an Ad Hoc Session

To end an ad hoc session, click the default profile in the Profile List and click the Close button.

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 for Wireless 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 for Wireless. 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 for Wireless displays the current state of the radio on the General page if one of these option is installed.

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

The radio can be switched on or off from General page in Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless.  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. 

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 from Windows

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

For Windows XP and 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 Adapter Advanced Settings in Windows

The following advanced options are available in the Windows Device Manager Advanced tab if Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless is not installed. If PROSet for Wireless is installed the Advanced tab displays the Open button. Selected this button to open PROSet for Wireless.

To access the 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.

Advanced tab option under Windows XP and 2000:


Installing and Uninstalling the 802.1x Password Synchronization Capability Feature

To install the 802.1x password synchronization capability feature (Use Windows Logon), you must first uninstall Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless then reinstall Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless with the 802.1x password synchronization capability feature.

  1. Click Start àSettings àControl Panel àAdd or Remove Programs àIntel(R) PROSet for Wireless.
  2. Select Remove.
  3. Insert the Installation CD in your CD drive.
  4. Select autorun.exe on the CD.
  5. Click Install Software.
  6. Click Next on the Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless screen.
  7. On the License Agreement screen, after reading the license agreement, select I accept the terms in the license agreement and click Next.
  8. Select Custom on the Setup Type screen and click Next.
  9. Click on the 802.1x password synchronization capability feature. Select This feature will be installed on local hard drive.
  10. Click Next
  11. Click Install on the Ready to Install the Program screen. 
  12. After the software is installed on your computer, click Finish.
  13. Click Exit to close the Intel(R) PRO Network Connections screen.
  14. Reboot your computer.
  15. To launch Intel(R) PROSet, double-click the Intel(R) PROSet icon in the system tray or follow the path Start à Programs à Intel Network Adapters à Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless.
NOTE: Windows XP Fast Switching and the Welcome screen are disabled when 802.1x Password Synchronization Capability is installed.

To uninstall the 802.1x password synchronization capability feature (Use Windows Logon), you must first uninstall Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless then reinstall Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless without the 802.1x password synchronization capability feature.

  1. Click Start àSettings àControl Panel àAdd or Remove Programs àIntel(R) PROSet for Wireless.
  2. Select Remove.
  3. Insert the Installation CD in your CD drive.
  4. Select autorun.exe on the CD.
  5. Click Install Software.
  6. Click Next on the Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless screen.
  7. On the License Agreement screen, after reading the license agreement, select I accept the terms in the license agreement and click Next.
  8. Select Custom on the Setup Type screen and click Next.
  9. Click on the 802.1x password synchronization capability feature. Select This feature will not be available. A red x displays next to this option indicating that it will not be installed.
  10. Click Next.
  11. Click Install on the Ready to Install the Program screen. 
  12. After the software is installed on your computer, click Finish.
  13. Click Exit to close the Intel(R) PRO Network Connections screen.
  14. Reboot your computer.
  15. To launch Intel(R) PROSet, double-click the Intel(R) PROSet icon in the system tray or follow the path Start à Programs à Intel Network Adapters à Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless.
NOTE: Windows XP Fast Switching and the Welcome screen will be enabled when 802.1x Password Synchronization Capability is uninstalled.

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