HP Book vt6200 To prepare for connections Windows XP, Connecting to an Existing Wireless Network

Modem and Network Connections

Making Wireless Connections

Hint	If you are connecting to an access point or computer that is using Lucent/Agere-based
	software, you must set up compatible encryption on your computer. You can enter the
	encryption key manually. If you know only the Lucent/Agere passphrase, you must
	convert it to the corresponding key. Click Start, Programs, HP Wireless LAN, and use
	the encryption key converter.

To prepare for connections (Windows XP)

Before you can connect your computer to a particular 802.11 wireless network, you have to configure the computer for the specific wireless connection.

Connecting to an Existing Wireless Network

You can connect to an access point that gives you access to a local area network, or you can connect directly to other computers in an “adhoc” network.

1. Right-click the wireless network connection icon in the taskbar, then select View Available Wireless Networks from the pop-up menu.

2. A list of available networks appears. Select the network you want, enter the encryption key if required, and click Connect.

If the network you want is not on the list, click Advanced, Configure, and enter the required network parameters. If the network is not using 802.1x authentication protocol, clear the automatic key option.

3. On the General tab, edit network settings as needed for your local network. See your network administrator. You can also display an icon in the taskbar when connected to a network.

4. On the Wireless Networks tab, view the wireless networks available within range.

Each network SSID is listed. Click the network you want and click Configure.

5. If the wireless network uses standard encrypted communication, uncheck the automatic key option, then select the following parameters—see your network administrator for the required settings:

∙ Key: ASCII passphrase or hexadecimal key string.

∙ Key format: ASCII for passphrase, hexadecimal for key string.

∙ Key length: smaller number for 64-bit encryption, larger number for 128-bit.

6. Click OK to save the configuration. This network is added to your list of preferred networks.

The computer automatically connects to the first preferred network that’s within range if wireless communication is turned on—see “To turn wireless communication on and off,” below.

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