Wireless networks in Windows XP SP2
In SP2, Microsoft has improved wireless networking with the following changes.
- Built-in WPA support. If earlier it was required to download the add-on for this, now all the necessary parameters are set on the connection properties tab. Naturally, the adapter and driver must support WPA for this.
- Easy Wireless Setup Service. This update automates and simplifies wireless configuration, making it easier to connect to hotspots.
- Wireless setup wizard. It allows you to perform step-by-step configuration of the wireless network and save the configuration to a USB stick, which can later be used to configure other systems.
- Wireless Zero Configuration Service Logging. The service is responsible for discovering and connecting to preferred wireless networks, so its logs will help you sort out possible connection problems.
- Restoring wireless connection. In order to use the restore, just right-click on the corresponding connection shortcut and select "Reestablish"... In fact, it will only disconnect and re-enable the connection.
- Behavior has changed when using 802.1x authentication. When the wireless client is automatically disabled when authentication fails, 802.1x is automatically disabled when you manually set the encryption key.
The window for wireless network connections has also undergone significant changes.
Available networks.
Here, as before, a list of all available networks is displayed, and parameters such as network name, network type (Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure) are available for viewing. Among the new products, it should be noted the appearance of the signal level (indicator on the right side of the available network window), network protection, status (a special icon is displayed for the connected network) and the preferred network. Now you can start a search for available networks, set up wireless networks, change the order of preferences, view the properties of wireless connections with one key.
The connection process is now visible and visible to the user. If the connection was successful, and access was allowed, then the next step is to obtain a network address. If the address could not be obtained, that is, the DHCP server is unavailable, then the adapter will automatically be assigned an address from the 169.254.0.0/16 range, which will be displayed on the connection status (warning with an exclamation mark). That is, the status of the connection becomes clear at a glance: connected, disconnected, limited, or the connection is being established.
Wireless setup has also been made much easier. Let's start by creating a wireless network. First you need to go to "Network Neighborhood" and select the item "Set up a wireless home or small office network", after which the Network Setup Wizard will start. You can also go the other way: Start -\u003e All Programs -\u003e Accessories -\u003e Communications -\u003e Wireless Network Settings Wizard. Note that the wizard only allows you to configure networks using an access point (Infrastructure mode). If you plan to deploy an AdHoc network (without an access point, based only on wireless cards), then you will have to use manual configuration (see the next section).
Configuration wizard.
The next screen prompts you to set the SSID name, which should be the same for the entire network, determine the method for assigning encryption keys and select the encryption method directly (WEP or WPA - using the checkmark at the bottom of the window). Let us remind ourselves once again that WEP protection is not very reliable, although it will be enough for a home network. If possible, it is better to use WPA (if the adapter and driver support it - refer to the documentation).
Wireless network settings.
Encryption keys can either be assigned automatically or you can specify your own. If you choose your own, the following window will appear prompting you to enter the keys.
Encryption keys.
This step will be skipped during automatic generation.
After assigning all the necessary parameters, proceed to the next screen. You will be prompted to either use a flash key fob or manually configure the network.
Selecting the setting method.
The first method allows you to easily transfer the configuration to other computers on the wireless network. To do this, it is enough to carry out the setup procedure only once, while saving all the parameters to the key fob. By the way, if the access point does not support entering information from USB sticks, then it will have to be configured manually.
Configuring the network through a flash keyfob. We dumped all the necessary information on him.
Now, following the instructions, you need to disconnect the key fob and connect it to all computers that need to be added to the network.
We configure other computers via a key fob.
When you connect the key fob to another computer, you will be prompted to add it to your wireless network. If the prompt does not appear, run the setupSNK.exe file manually from the keyfob. After you go around all the computers with the key fob, insert it back into the first one and complete the Wizard.
The setup is complete.
After that, don't forget to print the network settings.
Remember to print out the network settings or save them to a file.
Now you can connect to the installed wireless network. But to work, you also need to enter the IP addresses on each computer. To do this, select the 192.168.x.y network, where x is your network number (from 0 to 255), and y is the number of a computer on the network (from 1 to 254). All computers on your network must have the same network number and a different computer number. Let's say 192.168.0.1, 192.168.0.2, etc. The IP address is set in the connection properties (find the connection icon, right-click on it and select "Properties"). Then on the General tab select the Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) and press the Properties button. In the window that appears, select "Use the following IP address". Specify 255.255.255.0 as the mask.
We set the IP address.
Follow the procedure for entering the IP address on all computers.
You can use the ping utility to test the connection. To do this, start the command line (Start -\u003e Run -\u003e), type "cmd" in it, confirm the input. In the command line, type "ping" and specify the IP address of the other computer (for example, 192.168.0.2). By the way, you may have disabled support for ICMP exceptions - then you will not receive a ping response. To enable ICMP support, refer to our Firewall Configuration article.
Check connection.
If there is a connection, you will receive ping responses as shown in the illustration.
Congratulations. Your network is configured.
You can get information about the operation of the wireless network in the connection status window. To do this, right-click on the connection icon and select "Status".
Modern technologies allow you to connect to local and global networks without using an Internet cable. The most popular and modern wireless technology is WiFi. What is it and how to set up WiFi on Windows XP? This will be discussed further.
First, a little theory about what a WiFi connection is and what home networks are.
What is WiFi
This is a mobile communication technology that allows you to combine computers, laptops, smartphones and other devices equipped with a WiFi module in groups for information exchange, remote control, communication and so on. It has a lot of advantages, among which are the following:
- Easy equipment setup;
- Low cost of technology and equipment;
- Availability;
- Quite a long range - in open areas up to 100 meters, in buildings - about 10 meters;
- Possibility of simultaneous connection of up to 100 users;
- Support for various operating systems, including Windows XP;
- High speed data transfer.
WiFi Technology Description: Video
Types of home networks
To begin with, it should be clarified that, in general, computer networks are subdivided into several types and differ in their scale - from a private group to the global "web", entangling 80% of all computers in the world. In this case, we will focus specifically on private home groups - how to organize them and what they are. At the same time, speaking about a home group, it should be understood that we are talking about a local network that unites several computers and mobile devices of one owner, or about a local office group.
So, home networks can be of two types:
- Local without Internet access;
- Local, with the ability to connect to the global network.
In both cases, setting up a WiFi connection on a computer running Windows XP is the same. At the same time, in order for the group members to be able to access the Internet, it is necessary to configure the router. But this has nothing to do with the PC operating system.
Setting up the operating system
So, here we come to the question of how to set up WiFi on a Windows XP computer. Don't be scared, as there is nothing difficult here. The main thing is not to rush and do everything in order. Let's walk through the setup process. First of all, you need to install the software - the driver.
Driver Installation
Modern laptops are initially equipped with a WiFi module. But in order to enable it and at the same time it worked correctly, you need to install the appropriate driver.
As a rule, when purchasing a module, the device comes with a disc containing all the necessary programs. Moreover, in the installation menu there is a "Quick Installation" item, which installs all the necessary drivers and utilities for more convenient use. In this case, the device is configured automatically.
But what if there is no such disk or it is lost? In addition, drivers may simply be out of date. In such cases, you need to find out the type of WiFi adapter - model and name. After that, downloading the software you need is not difficult.
If we talk about laptops, then everything is even simpler here. To find the right software, you need to know the laptop model. Then we go to the official website of the manufacturer and look for the desired model. There you will find not only the driver for the WiFi adapter, but also all the necessary software. It is worth remembering that you need software for Windows XP, so from the proposed options we choose exactly what you need. After installing the driver, the adapter can be turned on, after which you will see all available access points.
This is not the end of the WiFi connection setup in Windows XP. After installing the drivers, you need to configure and enable the wireless connection itself.
How to set up WiFi connection in Windows XP: Video
Connection setup
It should be noted right away that adapter configuration is not required in modern laptops. When you turn it on, everything will be detected automatically, you just have to select the desired network from the list. In this case, to connect, you only need to know the network password, if it is not there, then just click "connect" and that's it, you are already connected.
In the connection settings in Windows XP, you must enter the IP address the computer receives automatically. Of course, the connection can work on the default settings, you just need to turn on the adapter and select the desired network. However, setting up a WiFi connection on a Windows XP PC will make the connection more stable.
So how do you set up a WiFi connection on a Windows XP computer? As mentioned above, such a connection requires a router that has the appropriate settings. We only need to know the network key (if installed) and the group name.
How to find out the password for your WiFi connection in the router parameters: Video
If the network does not work when connecting to the router, then you need to configure the connection. In order to fix this in the start menu, you need to find and run "Network Neighborhood". Next, you should open "Network Connections". Here you will see different types of networks, we need a “Wireless Network Connection” shortcut.
When you click on the shortcut with the right mouse button, select "Properties". Next, in the window that appears, you need to find the item "Internet Protocol (TCPIP)". Select it by clicking the left mouse button. Then click the "Properties" button. In the window that appears, you need to set the checkbox to "Use the following IP address". Next, you need to enter the following parameters:
- IP address: 192.168.0.3;
- Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0;
- Default gateway: 192.168.0.1.
After that, we return to the network environment and click "Display available connections". Here you need to find and launch "Wireless Network Connection". In the window that appears, click on "Update network list". In the list that appears, select your network and click "Connect". If a password is set, then a table will appear in which you need to enter it, and then click "Connect".
How to enable WiFi module on a computer
Very often, users ask the question of how to enable the WiFi adapter on a computer with Windows XP? This is a very pertinent question. If we talk about laptops, then it doesn't matter which operating system is installed, be it Windows XP or newer versions of the OS.
The fact is that the laptop has a special button to turn on the adapter. However, remember, as mentioned above, to enable it, you need to install the appropriate driver. If the software is installed, then there should be no difficulties. The main thing is to find the coveted button.
It's even easier with a desktop computer. An external USB adapter is always on. Moreover, the adapter configuration is completed after installing the driver. This means that in order to turn it on, you need to start the computer. Not everyone knows this. At the same time, as a rule, the adapter itself does not have any switch-on sensors, which is why it is not clear whether it works or not. Its operation can be tracked in Windows XP in the lower right corner, where the WiFi adapter icon is located.
If we talk about how to enable WiFi connection on Windows XP, then everything is elementary here. After turning on the adapter (on a laptop), select the desired access point (by group name) and click "Connect". After that, if a password is set, the system will ask you to enter it, after which you will connect to the network.
On a Windows XP computer, you need to click on the adapter icon in the lower right corner or find a shortcut on the desktop. At startup, a window will appear in which you should click the "Refresh network list" button. Next, you will be presented with a list of available networks, from which you need to select the one you need and click the "Connect" button.
This completes the wireless configuration on the Windows XP computer, and you are a member of the computer group.
How easy and simple it is to connect Wi-Fi: Video
In dannom rukovodstve rasskazyvaetsya o tom, kak soedinit kompyutera large screen with WIFI adapterami in operatsionnoy sisteme Windows XP in odnu obschuyu set for obmena informatsiey mezhdu these kompyuterami or sovmestnogo ispolzovaniya interneta to kotoromu podklyuchen tolko Shout of nix.
So that set up wi-fi network we only need two computers equipped with WIFI adapters. The mode in which the connection will take place is called Ad-Hoc. We will also try to understand how to set up a wi-fi network for shared use of the Internetwhich is connected only to one computer ..
Setting up a wi-fi network between two laptops
The settings are practically all the same for both computers, therefore, in the article separately, both computers will be considered only in the case, if this is the settings. You can start setting up a wi-fi network from any computer.
To get started, we need to open the "Network Connection Properties" tab. Depending on the Windows XP settings, this can be accessed in several different ways. All possible options are considered in the figures below.
Variant 1 via the network connection from the worktable icon.
Option 2 via mains connection to the start menu (classic menu)
Option 3 in the properties of the network connection via the start button (Start menu in XP style)
Variant 4 in the properties of the network connection via the start button and the control panel.
All 4 of the above described options lead to one result, shown below.
Next If your WIFI adapter is disabled, then enable it “programmatically” as shown in the figure. Since the WIFI network card can also be turned off via the button on the laptop itself, you must make sure that WIFI is also turned on in this way! Otherwise, we will not be able to set up a wi-fi network between two computers.
How to set up wi-fi on Windows XP? We go to the properties of the network connection, as shown in the image below:
Fig. 1. Opening the properties of a network connection.
We configure IP addresses in our local network.
Let us dwell in more detail at this stage, since at this point there are differences for setting up the First and Second computers
In the tab that opens, we find the field "Internet Protocol TCP / IP", click the "Properties" button.
Fig2. Go to TCP / IP Configuration.
And we configure the IP addresses as shown in Fig. 3 below. (the picture shows the settings for the second computer, for the first see the differences in the text below)
Fig. 3 Configuring IP addressing.
Here it is configured
- IP address (192.168.0 1 on the first and 192.168.0.2 on the second computer)
- Subnet mask (255.255.255.0 on both computers)
Two more points are needed only if you need Internet access through the connection of the first computer. Both items are configured only on the second computer. (If shared Internet access is not needed, then these steps are not necessary to set up a wi-fi network between laptops)
- The main gateway (specify the ip address of the first computer)
- Preferred DNS server, The DNS value for each computer will be different, it depends on the Internet provider. You can find out your DNS by looking at the provider's parameters.
After entering this data, click the "OK" button.
Setting up Internet sharing.
How do I set up Internet sharing? To do this, you need to configure the first computer. Once again, this setting only needs to be done if you want to set up Internet sharing.
We select the "Advanced" tab of the properties of the network adapter and click the checkbox "Allow other network users to use ..."
After clicking the "OK" button, windows should inform us that in this case, communication on the local network may be lost and that ip adress 192.168.0.1 will be assigned (which we have already pre-assigned), click again ok. Moreover, WINDOWS will not change the IP address in this case.
Before we click OK, remember this place and how to come here again. The point is that there is a place where we can enable, or disable, or configure Windows Firemaer. In the future, you may need to disable it.
Go to the "Wireless & networks" tab. Go to the wireless networks tab.
View of the “wireless networks” tab.
Click the "Add" button
We carry out all the settings in accordance with the picture.
- Share name - you can choose any.
- At the very bottom you need to indicate "This is a direct connection ..."
- Disable the checkbox “The network key is provided automatically”, after which we will have the opportunity to enter this key manually
- Enter the Network Key and Key Confirmation. You can enter either a key of 5 or 13 characters. Enter a 5 letter word (in English) and REMEMBER it. It will be needed to set up a second computer.
We configure automatic connection to the created network.
In order for our two computers to connect to the network by themselves, as soon as they “see” each other, go to the “Connection” tab and put the appropriate checkbox as shown in the figure.
We press the "ok" button, and once again save everything. This completes the network setup on the first computer. We do everything exactly the same on the second, with the exception of the mentioned differences.
Testing, debugging, internet connection.
Is there a WI-FI network? Once you finish setting up WIFI on both computers, you should have a wireless network up. An indicator that a WIFI connection has occurred is the presence of a wireless connection icon in the taskbar on the right. If problems arise at this stage, check:
- Is the WIFI adapter included in the hardware?
- Have you followed all the points of the current instructions exactly? Did you enter the key correctly on both computers?
Is there an IP connection?
We try to ping to the address 192.168.0.2 from the computer 192.168.0.1. To do this, on the First computer, press the "Start" button and in the "Run" menu, write CMD and press ok.
Launching CMD.
In the black window that appears, write ping 192.168.0.2 and press ENTER.
Ping to 192.168.0.2 from 192.168.0.1.
If you see the same as in the picture above, then you have no ping to the address 192.168.0.2. Try ping 192.168.0.1 from the Second computer. Attention, it is important not to confuse here. Otherwise, if you ping from the second computer to the address 192.168.0.2, then you will actually ping the same computer, and the result will not show you anything.
The presence of a ping in at least one direction means that your WIFI is configured correctly. And all the problems can only be due to the Firewall settings or incorrect IP settings (for example, a gateway or DNS).
In this section, we answered the question "how to set up a wi-fi network between two computers".
I welcome everyone! Today I will tell you how to set up wifi on a laptop. Setting up wi-fi on a laptop is not a difficult task. The first thing to know is if your device supports this feature. Modern laptops are already equipped with a wi-fi module, however, some manufacturers still release devices without wi-fi support, but these are mostly cheap models.
In case your laptop is not equipped with a wi-fi module, you need to get a special adapter. To understand if the laptop has wi-fi, it is enough to carefully examine the device case. Usually, manufacturers glue a sticker under the keyboard or at the bottom of the case, which indicates the presence of wi-fi.
In addition, the wi-fi symbol is also located on the keyboard function button, which is responsible for turning on the module. Use the button together with the Fn key.
Turning on wi-fi on a laptop
- If it's Acer brand, the keys are Fn and F3. You will see a connection manager appear, where you will need to turn on wi-fi or Bluetooth.
- On Asus devices the buttons are Fn and F2. A connection icon will appear, there you need to select wi-fi or Bluetooth.
- Toshiba branded notebooks require pressing the Fn and F8 keys. Further actions are similar.
- For Samsung the keyboard shortcut would be: Fn and F12.
To determine the key to turn on wi-fi, an antenna icon will help you. If pressing the buttons does not turn on wi-fi, then there may be several reasons for this:
- incorrect operation of the operating system;
- driver problem or conflicts;
- viruses, about that.
The problem is usually solved by reinstalling the drivers or.
What if the laptop doesn't have a wi-fi module?
Connecting to a wi-fi access point is possible using a special adapter; its cost varies from 15 to 30 dollars. You can easily find such an adapter in any computer store. In terms of external dimensions, the device can be compared to a flash drive. The device is used in the same way, just plug it into a USB port.
Lack of external adapter - high probability of breakage if handled roughly. This also happens because the part protruding from the laptop remains unprotected. Therefore, the built-in wi-fi module installed in the service center will not cause problems. Although this solution will be more expensive, you will feel comfortable working.
In order to turn on an external wi-fi adapter, you need to press a special button located on the case.
Checking the correct installation of the drivers
If your drivers are installed incorrectly, then even the access point may not respond to a lit indicator and wi-fi will not work. First of all, in this case, you need to check the performance of the network card. Right-click on My Computer and go to Properties.
Next, go to "Equipment" -\u003e " device Manager". You will notice the entire list of devices that are installed on the laptop. We need to find the section " Network adapters“, And there we are looking for“ Wireless ”, wi-fi or Wireless. If you see a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark next to a module, then be prepared for whatever is needed.
Download drivers from the Internet or use the disk that comes with the laptop. Installation of drivers is standard and does not differ much from the installation of any program. It is possible that wi-fi will not work immediately, but only after several installations. In order for the adapter to work well and easily detect wireless networks, you must set it to automatically obtain an IP address.
How to set up WIFI on a laptop and how to enable automatic obtaining of IP addresses in Windows Xp.
So we almost figured out the question of how to set up wifi on a laptop. But now we need to enable automatic obtaining of an ip address. For this:
We open " Control Panel“, We put the classic view.
We make the transition to " Network connections“, Right-click on the required connection, select“ Properties ”. The components will open there, we are interested in the TCP / IP protocol, click again on Properties.
In the window that opens, we set the automatic receipt of the Ip-address, as well as the receipt by the automatic DNS, click OK.
Configuring Automatic Obtaining IP Address for Windows7
We need to open the control panel, go to " Network and Sharing Center«.
In the column on the left we make the choice “ Change adapter settings«.
A window will open, there you need to select the required network and click on it with the right mouse button, select "Properties". There we choose to automatically obtain an ip-address and DNS. Click OK. For Windows 8, similar steps are taken.
Access point connection.
You will notice a list of available networks. If you have your own access point, then the adapter will certainly find it. The adapter is also capable of finding nearby networks that may belong to your neighbors. You can choose any network that does not have a lock icon. This means that the owner of the network does not mind someone using his access point. If you have your own network, then click on it, in the window that appears, enter your username and.
Moreover, there is another option for connecting to the internet. If any establishment nearby has wi-fi, then perhaps the owner will provide you with a password and you will be able to connect to the network if your adapter will finish this distance.
After the network is selected, you must click "Connect". After that, enter the password twice and see the signal and connection speed.
After the wi-fi connection is completed, we will see the corresponding icon in the tray.
We open the browser, the page of the service provider appears in front of us. Click on the "Login" button, and we get to the page specified as home in the browser properties. If the connection is often dropped, then the laptop may be placed in a place where the signal from the wireless network is weak. In this case, you can drag the laptop closer to the access point.
On a note! I recently wrote a lot of useful articles and I want you to read them too, namely, what is it. But for gamers, I wrote in games or.
From Uv. Evgeny Kryzhanovsky
In a wireless or Wi-Fi network, in addition to all the functions of a regular wired network, the roaming function is also available. In a wireless or Wi-Fi network, the user can freely move within the range of the radio signal (for example, from his office to the meeting room), remaining constantly in touch.
There are three most common types of wireless connections:
Access point, which is a station for transmitting and receiving information over the Network. The access point provides communication between users in the network coverage area, and also functions as a docking point for a wireless network and a fixed wired network. Access points are typically used in large public or commercial networks that provide services to a large number of users.
Specialized a wireless network is usually a peer-to-peer network of two computers. Ad-hoc networks are usually used for a short time to exchange data or transfer files.
Wireless router Is a gateway between an Internet or fixed wired network connection and a wireless network. A wireless router is commonly used in home wireless networks or small business wireless networks to provide communication between users and to connect to the Internet.
Use at least one of the following methods to connect to a wireless LAN.
Method 1. Preparing the laptop
To connect to a Wi-Fi network, your laptop must be equipped with a wireless network adapter. Most notebook computers require a wireless network adapter to be connected and installed in the PCMCIA slot. Other laptops have a built-in wireless network adapter. Laptops with built-in wireless adapters usually have a wireless on / off button located on the front or side.
Note.The following logo is applied above or next to the wireless network on / off button:
Figure: : HP wireless network symbol
When installing the PCMCIA wireless adapter, follow the instructions in the quick installation guide for the network card, drivers, and software that came with the adapter.
Method 2. Laying the network cable
Connect your DSL or cable modem to your telephone wall jack or cable TV jack and check if you have an Internet connection if you haven't already. If you are not connected to the Internet, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for the necessary settings and Internet access.
