Dell PP04S Determining Your Network Type, Connecting to a Network in Microsoft Windows XP

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Determining Your Network Type

NOTE: Most wireless networks are of the infrastructure type. Consult your network administrator if you are unsure of the type of network you are connecting to.

Wireless networks fall into two categories—infrastructure networks and ad-hoc networks. An infrastructure network uses routers or access points to connect several computers. An ad-hoc network does not use routers or access points and consists of computers that broadcast to one another.

infrastructure network ad-hoc network

Connecting to a Network in Microsoft® Windows® XP

Your wireless network card requires proper software and drivers in order to connect to a network. The software is pre-installed in the factory. If the software is removed or corrupted, follow the instructions listed in the User's Guide for your wireless card. The User’s Guide is located on your Drivers and Utilities CD (that came with your computer) in the "User’s Guides-Network User’s Guides" category. The User’s Guide is also available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

1Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Switch to Classic View.

2Double-clickNetwork Connections.

3Click Wireless Network Connection.

The Wireless Network Connection icon is highlighted.

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Setting Up a Home and Office Network