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Chapter 6: Using the Wireless Network Utility
Using the Utility
Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX
Using the Utility
The Utility uses profiles to store information describing how your Adapter connects to the wireless network. Each
profile contains information about the type of network connection and security settings.
To make it easy to connect to wireless networks at home, office, or wireless hotspot locations, the Utility allows
you to create multiple profiles, each containing information about a different network or a different set of
configuration values. When you move from one location to another, your Adapter automatically detects which
network is currently available and applies the correct profile. The Configured Networks list in the Utility’s main
window contains an entry for each profile.
The following rules apply when connecting to a wireless network:
•
The Utility always attempts to connect to a network with a configured profile, in the order in which the
configured networks are listed.
•
If there are no previously configured networks, or if it is not possible to connect to any currently
configured networks, the Adapter attempts to connect to the AP with the best signal quality, open
authentication, and no encryption.
•
If all the connection options fail, or if you want to connect to a different available network, you can create
a profile for the network with appropriate security parameters. This adds the network to the Configured
Networks list and makes it available for automatic connection in the future.
Scanning for Available Networks (Site Survey)
After the driver is loaded, the Adapter scans for all access points within radio range and attempts to connect to
one of them based on previously scanned profiles. It associates to the first access point it finds for which it can
establish radio communications. Although association normally happens automatically; it is recommended that
you keep the Utility running while you are connected. This enables you to verify the configuration and confirm
that the access point to which you are connected is a trusted component of your network.
Whenever you open the Utility, the system performs an automatic scan. You can also scan for networks on
demand, at any time.
To scan for available networks:
•
Choose
Start > Programs > Linksys> Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX Utility
. This displays
the application icon in the system tray. Click
Re-Scan
.