Google ANDROID 2.3.4, User Manual

Page: 61 / 384

Connecting to networks and devices 61
AUG-2.3.4-105 Android User’s Guide
Connecting to Wi-Fi networks
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that can provide Internet access at
distances of up to 100 meters, depending on the Wi-Fi router and your surroundings.
To use Wi-Fi on your phone, you access a wireless access point, or “hotspot.” Some
hotspots are open and you can simply connect to them. Others are hidden or
implement other security features, so you must configure your phone so it can
connect to them.
There are numerous systems for securing Wi-Fi connections, including some that rely
on secure certificates or other schemes to ensure that only authorized users can
connect. For information about installing secure certificates, see “Working with secure
certificates” on page 74.
Turn off Wi-Fi when you’re not using it, to extend the life of your battery between
charges.
The Status bar displays icons that indicate Wi-Fi status.
Network status icons turn green if you have a Google Account added to your phone
and the phone is connected to Google services, for syncing your Gmail, Calendar
events, contacts, for backing up your settings, and so on. If you don’t have a Google
Account or if, for example, you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network that is not connected
to the Internet, the network icons are white.
When you connect to a Wi-Fi network, the phone obtains a network address and other
information it needs from the network, using the DHCP protocol. To configure the
phone with a fixed IP address and other advanced settings, press
Menu and touch
Advanced
. See “Advanced Wi-Fi settings screen” on page 360.
Connected to a Wi-Fi network (waves indicate connection strength)
Notification that an open Wi-Fi network is in range