Viewing Information about the Network Connection

Chapter 2. Using the Wireless LAN Configuration Utility

2.2Viewing Information about the Network Connection

To view detailed status about your wireless network connection, double-click the status icon on the Windows Taskbar. This information can help you troubleshoot problems and adjust the placement of clients, access points, or antennas.

State: Shows the current status of your wireless network:

•Associated – The access point’s Ethernet Address (Media Access Controller ID). This access point is the one your wireless client is communicating with.

•Scanning – The wireless client is searching for a wireless network. The scanning status also occurs while the client is roaming between access points.

•Disconnected – The client is not connected to the wireless network.

Rescan button: Click to re-establish a connection with a wireless network. When you click this button, the wireless client is briefly disconnected from the network and begins searching for an access point with a stronger signal in the specified wireless network.

Current Channel: Displays the channel currently used for receiving and transmitting wireless data communication.

Current Tx Rate: Shows the maximum achievable data rate allowed for this location. The data transmit rate is automatically negotiated between wireless clients and access points, and changes dynamically depending on signal strength and link quality. The data rates automatically shift among 11Mbps, 5.5Mpbs, 2Mbps and 1Mbps.

Throughput (Bytes/sec): The Tx (transmit) and Rx (receive) throughput fields display the current number of data packets that are transferred or received by the wireless client. This information is updated every two seconds.

Intel® PRO/Wireless 2011B LAN USB Device Users Guide