GuestNet Wireless Network: Getting Started with a Windows XP Computer

Requirements

• Computer with Windows XP
• 802.11b or 802.11g wireless network adapter card

Before you buy a new wireless network adapter card, check to see if you already have one. Many newer computers have a built-in wireless adapter or come with a card you can install yourself. 

• FAQ: Where can I get a wireless card?

 

Configure Windows XP to Connect to GuestNet

1. Click on the Start button, then click on All Programs, then Accessories, then Communications, then Network Connections. 
   
   
2. Right-click on Wireless Network Connection. Then click Properties.

    
   
   

   If there is more than one connection, look for the one with a Device Name that matches your wireless card (the device name will appear when you move your mouse over the connection).

 

3. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties window, perform the following:
   1. Click on the General tab.
   2. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
   3. Click on the Properties button.

   
   
   
   

4. In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window, perform the following:
   1. Make sure that Obtain an IP address automatically is selected (a dot should appear next to it).
   2. Make sure that Obtain DNS server address automatically is selected (a dot should appear next to it).
   3. Click on the OK button.

   

5. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties window, perform the following:
   1. Click on the Wireless Networks tab.
   2. Make sure the option Use Windows to Configure my Wireless Network Setings is selected.
   3. Click on the Add button.

   

 

 

6. In the Wireless network properties window, perform the following:
   1. Type GuestNet in the box next to Network Name (SSID).

   Note: The network name is case-sensitive, so be sure to type it in exactly as it is written above.

   2. Make sure Network Authentication is set to Open.
   3. Make sure Data Encryption is set to Disabled.
   4. Make sure the option This is a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network; wireless access points are not used is unchecked.

8. Click on the Connection tab.
   
   
9. In the Connection tab, perform the following:
   1. Make sure the option Connect when this network is in range is selected.
   2. Click on the OK button.

   
   
   
   
   If you see the following message, click on the Continue Anyway button.
   
   
   
   
   
   You should see GuestNet listed in the Preferred Networks area of the Wireless Network Connection Properties window, as shown highlighted in the example below.
   
   

10. Click on the Advanced button.
11. In the Advanced window, perform the following:
    1. Make sure the option Access point (infrastructure) networks only is selected.
    2. Make sure the option Automatically connect to non-preferred networks is not selected.
    3. Click on the Close button.

    
    
    
    

12. Click on the OK button in the Wireless Network Connection Properties window.

 

You should now be able to use GuestNet. Whenever you turn your computer on in an area covered by GuestNet, your computer will automatically connect to the GuestNet wireless network.