Recipe 14.3. Connecting to Your Wireless Network

Problem

You've set up a WiFi router and installed WiFi adapter cards, and you want to connect a WiFi-enabled PC to the WiFi network.

Solution

When you turn on a WiFi-enabled PC that is within the transmission range of a WiFi router, it should automatically find the network and make a connection. You'll know a connection has been made by looking in the Notification Area for the wireless icon, as shown in Figure 14-4.

Figure 14-4. The wireless icon in the Notification Area at the right of the Taskbar

If the wireless icon looks different than the one pictured here, for example if it has an X over it or it appears to be blinking, then for some reason you haven't been able to automatically connect to the network. To make the connection, click the icon, then click View Wireless Networks. If your wireless network shows up on the Wireless Network Connection screen, but the screen shows that you're not connected, double-click the entry for the network, and you should connect to it. When you make a successful connection, you'll see a screen like that pictured in Figure 14-5.

Figure 14-5. A successful connection to a wireless network

If the screen doesn't show any wireless networks, click the Refresh network list underneath Network Tasks on the left-hand part of the screen. After a few moments, you will see your wireless network. Double-click it to connect.

Discussion

Making a simple wireless connection, as outlined in this recipe, usually goes smoothly. In this recipe, though, no encryption is being used, and setting up encryption can be difficult. If it is not done correctly, it won't allow you to connect to the network.

It's a good idea, though, to use encryption. If you don't, anyone passing by can easily connect to your wireless network. For details on how to use encryption to keep your wireless network safe, see Recipe 14.7.

See Also

For information about troubleshooting wireless connection problems, see Recipe 14.4.