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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. 

Install the Wireless Card

If you need to install a new wireless card, follow the setup instructions that came with it. Most of the time, this simply consists of inserting the card into your laptop's PC card slot. Windows XP should automatically detect and install the necessary software.

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. 
  1. 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).

The Wireless Network Connection Properties window will be displayed.

  1. Click on the General tab.
  2. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
  3. Click on the Properties button. The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window will be displayed.

  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.
  1. Click on the Wireless Networks tab.

 

  1. Make sure Use Windows to Configure my Wireless Network Setings is selected.
  1. Click on the Add button. The Wireless network properties window is displayed.

  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 appears above.

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

 

  1. Make sure Connect when this network is in range is selected.
  2. Click on the OK button in the Wireless network properties window.
  3. Click on the Advanced button.

  1. Make sure Access point (infrastructure) networks only is selected.
  2. Make sure Automatically connect to non-preferred networks is not checked.
  3. Click on the Close button.
  4. Click on the OK button in the Wireless Network Connection Properties window.

Use the GuestNet Wireless Network!

Your should now be able to use GuestNet. When ever you turn your computer on in an area covered by GuestNet, your computer will automatically connect.
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