With your wireless network card, you can access wireless networks, share files or printers,
or even share your Internet connection. All of these features can be explored using a
wireless network in your home or office. This wireless network solution is designed for both
home and business use. Additional users and features can be added as your networking
needs grow and change.
Depending on the model of your Intel wireless adapter, your adapter is compatible with
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n wireless standards. Operating at 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz
frequency at data rates of up to 300 Mbps, you can now connect your computer to existing
high-speed networks that use multiple access points within large or small environments.
Your wireless adapter maintains automatic data rate control according to the access point
location and signal strength to achieve the fastest possible connection. All of your wireless
network connections are easily managed by the WiFi connection utility. Profiles that are set
up through the WiFi connection utility provide enhanced security measures with 802.1X
network authentication.
Table of Contents
● Use the Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility
● Connect to a Network
● Use Wi-Fi Protected Setup*
● Use Profiles
● Set up Security
● Wireless Network Overview
● Administrator Tool
● Create Administrator Packages
● Create Profiles for Windows XP*
● Security Overview
● Safety and Regulatory Information
● Specifications
● Troubleshooting
● Glossary
● Customer Support
● Warranty
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
The copying or reproducing of any material in this document in any manner whatsoever
without the written permission of Intel Corporation is strictly forbidden. Intel(R) is a
trademark or registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United
States and other countries. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this
document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.
Intel disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Windows Vista is
either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/
or other countries.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
Intel Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this document. Nor
does Intel make any commitment to update the information contained herein.
"IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL USERS OR DISTRIBUTORS:
Intel wireless LAN adapters are engineered, manufactured, tested, and quality checked to
ensure that they meet all necessary local and governmental regulatory agency requirements
for the regions that they are designated and/or marked to ship into. Because wireless LANs
are generally unlicensed devices that share spectrum with radars, satellites, and other
licensed and unlicensed devices, it is sometimes necessary to dynamically detect, avoid, and
limit usage to avoid interference with these devices. In many instances Intel is required to
provide test data to prove regional and local compliance to regional and governmental
regulations before certification or approval to use the product is granted. Intel's wireless
LAN's EEPROM, firmware, and software driver are designed to carefully control parameters
that affect radio operation and to ensure electromagnetic compliance (EMC). These
parameters include, without limitation, RF power, spectrum usage, channel scanning, and
human exposure.
For these reasons Intel cannot permit any manipulation by third parties of the software
provided in binary format with the wireless LAN adapters (e.g., the EEPROM and firmware).
Furthermore, if you use any patches, utilities, or code with the Intel wireless LAN adapters
that have been manipulated by an unauthorized party (i.e., patches, utilities, or code
(including open source code modifications) which have not been validated by Intel), (i) you
will be solely responsible for ensuring the regulatory compliance of the products, (ii) Intel
will bear no liability, under any theory of liability for any issues associated with the modified
products, including without limitation, claims under the warranty and/or issues arising from
regulatory non-compliance, and (iii) Intel will not provide or be required to assist in
providing support to any third parties for such modified products.
Note: Many regulatory agencies consider Wireless LAN adapters to be "modules", and
accordingly, condition system-level regulatory approval upon receipt and review of test data
documenting that the antennas and system configuration do not cause the EMC and radio
operation to be non-compliant."
April 2008
Back to Contents
Use the Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection
Utility Software
Use Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility as your Wireless Manager
Start Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility
Start Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility from the Taskbar
● Taskbar Icons
● Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts
Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility Main Window
❍ Advanced Statistics
❍ Use Windows to Manage WiFi
● Profiles Menu
❍ Manage Profiles
❍ Manage Exclusions
Use Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility Profile Features
Turn Wireless Radio On or Off
Installing Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility
Install Additional Software Features
Remove Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility
Use Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility as Your
Wireless Manager
Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi software is used to set up, edit, and manage network profiles to
connect to a network. It also includes advanced settings such as power management and channel
selection for setting up ad-hoc networks.
If you use Microsoft* Windows XP* Wireless Zero Configuration as your wireless manager, you
can disable it from the Microsoft Windows Wireless Network tab.
To disable Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration as your wireless manager:
1. Click Start > Control Panel.
2. Double-click Network Connections.
3. Right-click Wireless Network Connection.
4. Click Properties.
5. Click Wireless Networks.
6. Verify that the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings is not
selected. If it is, clear it.
7. Click OK. This confirms that the Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless utility is configured to manage
your network profiles.
NOTE: Verify that the
Application Settings option Notify when another application
uses the wireless adapter is selected. This option prompts you when Microsoft
Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration starts to manage your network profiles.
● Right-click the Taskbar icon located in the lower right corner of your Windows Desktop to
open the Taskbar menu. Click Configure WiFi .
●Double-click the Taskbar icon.
To close the WiFi connection utility from the main window, use one of the following:
● Select File > Exit from the main window.
● Click Close.
● Click the Close button (X) at the top right corner of the window.
Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility Main Window
the WiFi connection utility Main Window lets you:
● View the current connection details (signal quality, speed and current network name).
● Scan for available wireless networks.
● Manage profiles.
● Auto-connect profiles to available networks in a specific order defined in the Profile list.
● Connect to Infrastructure and Device to Device (ad hoc) networks.
● Configure adapter settings.
● Troubleshoot wireless connection problems.
Connection Details
On the main window, click Details to view detailed parameters of the access point and network
adapter. The Connection Details window displays the current network connection information.
Connection Details for a complete description.
See
The Taskbar icon also indicates the current connection status. See
Taskbar Icons.
Main Window Connection Status Icons
The connection status icons indicate the current connection status of your wireless adapter. The
connection status icon displays in the WiFi connection utility main window See
Icons.
Connection Status
Profile Management
On the WiFi connection utility main window, click Connect on a wireless network. Once
connected, a profile is created in the Profiles list. The Profiles List displays the current user profiles
in the order that they are to be applied. Use the up and down arrows to arrange profiles in a
specific order to automatically connect to a wireless network.
You can also add, edit, and remove profiles from the
connection utility main window.
Different profiles can be configured for each wireless network. Profile settings can include, the
network name (SSID), operating mode, and security settings. See
information.
Profiles list. Click Profiles on the WiFi
Profile Management for more
Menus
Use the File, Tools, Advanced, Profiles and Help menus to configure your network settings.
NameDescription
File
Tools
Exit: Closes the WiFi connection utility main window.
Application Settings: Use to set system wide connection preferences. See
Application Settings for information.
Intel Wireless Troubleshooter: Use to resolve wireless network connection
problems. See
Intel Wireless Troubleshooter for more information.
Manual Diagnostics Tool: The Manual Diagnostics Tool lets you run a set of
diagnostics tests that verify the functionality of your wireless adapter. See
Manual
Diagnostics Tool for more information.
Administrator Tool: Used by administrators or the person who has administrator
privileges on this computer to configure shared profiles (Pre-logon/Common,
Persistent, and Voice over IP [VoIP]). The Administrator Tool can also be used by an
Information Technology department to configure user settings within the WiFi
connection utility and to create custom install
Administrator Tool for more information.
See
packages to export to other systems.
Advanced
NOTE: The Administrator Tool is available only if it installed during a custom
installation of the Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi software. See
Install Additional
Software Featuresfor more information on custom installation.
Adapter Settings: Displays Adapter Settings that are equivalent to the settings in
the Microsoft Windows Advanced settings. See
Adapter Settings for information.
To access Adapter Settings from Microsoft Windows:
● Double-click Network Connections from the Windows Control Panel.
● Right-click the Wireless Network Connection.
● Select Properties from the menu.
● Click Configure to display the Advanced settings for the adapter.
Advanced Statistics: Select to view detailed information about the wireless
adapter and connection. See
Advanced Statistics for more information.
Use Windows to manage Wi-Fi: Select to enable Microsoft Windows XP as the
wireless manager. See
Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration for more
information.
Profiles
Manage Profiles: Select to create or edit profiles.
Manage Exclusions: Select to exclude networks from automatic connection. See
Manage Exclusions for more information.
Help
Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Help: Starts the online help.
About: Displays version information for the currently installed application
components.
Administrator Tool (Tools menu)
The Administrator tool is for administrators or the person who has administrator privileges on this
computer. This tool allows the administrator to restrict what level of control the users of this
computer have over their wireless connections. This tool is used also to configure common
(shared) profiles.
Users cannot modify Administrator settings or profiles unless they have the password for this tool.
A password should be chosen that is secure and not easily guessed.
You can export these settings and profiles as one package to other computers on your network.
For more information, See the
Administrator Tool section.
NameDescription
Administrator Packages
Application Settings
Administrator Profiles
Adapter Settings
The Administrator Packages are used to save administrative profiles
and other settings. For Windows XP*, you can copy or send this selfextracting executable to clients on your network. When it is run, the
contents are installed and configured on the destination computer.
Administrator Tool Packages.
See
An administrator can configure the WiFi connection utility Application
Settings to control how the application behaves on the user's
computer, and to select what level of control users have over
various aspects of their wireless connections. See
Application Settings.
Enable or disable Persistent or Pre-logon/Common profiles and
configure Voice over IP (VoIP) settings on the computer. See
Administrator Tool Profiles.
An administrator can select which level of control that users have
over their wireless network connections. See
Adapter Settings.
Administrator Tool
Administrator Tool
EAP-FAST A-ID Groups
An administrator can select which Authority Identifier (A-ID) RADIUS
server to provision Protected Access Credentials (PACs) for profiles
that use EAP-FAST authentication. A-ID groups are shared by all
users of the computer and allow EAP-FAST profiles to support
multiple PACs from multiple A-IDs. See
A-ID Groups.
Administrator Tool EAP-FAST
Change Password
Close
Help?
Change the password for the Administrator Tool. See
Password for more information.
Closes the page.
Provides help information for this page.
Change
Use Windows to Manage WiFi (Advanced menu)
The Microsoft Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration feature provides a built-in wireless
configuration utility. This feature can be enabled and disabled within the WiFi connection utility.
Click Use Windows to manage Wi-Fi on the Advanced menu. If Windows XP Wireless Zero
Configuration is enabled, the features in the WiFi connection utility are disabled. To let the WiFi
connection utility manage your WiFi connections, click Enable WiFi Control on the main window.
The following components are installed in a Typical installation.
●The WiFi connection utility driver. You can choose to install the driver only if desired. This is
the minimal installation.
● The WiFi connection utility. For a Typical installation, this includes the following:
❍ Wi-Fi Protected Setup*
❍ Intel Wireless Troubleshooter
NOTE: If you plan to use Novell Client* for Windows, it should be installed prior to
installation of the WiFi connection utility. If the WiFi connection utility is already
installed, you should remove it prior to installation of Novell Client for Windows.
Custom Installation
The following features are available to install during a Custom installation. Of these, Wi-Fi
Protected Setup* and Intel Wireless Troubleshooter are also installed in a typical installation.
● Administrator Tool
● WMI Support
● Single Sign On
❍ Pre-logon Connect
● WiFi Protected Setup
● Intel Wireless Troubleshooter
Administrator Tool: Installs the Administrator Tool to the Tools menu. This tool is used to
configure common (shared) profiles. The Administrator Tool is also used by an Information
Technology department to enable or disable features within the WiFi connection utility.
WMI Support: Windows Management Instrumentation functionality allows administrators who do
not have the WiFi connection utility installed to manage remotely clients that do have the WiFi
connection utility installed.
Single Sign On: Installs the Single Sign On Pre-Login Connect feature. This tool is used to
configure common (shared) profiles with the Administrator Tool. Single Sign On is targeted to the
enterprise environment where users log on to their computer with a user name, password, and
typically a domain. Fast User Switching does not support domain log on. The Fast User Switching
and the Windows XP Welcome Screen are disabled when Single Sign On support is installed.
NOTE: Windows Fast User Switching is enabled by default if you use Windows XP
Home Edition. It is targeted for the home user. Fast User Switching is also available
on Windows XP Professional if you install it on a stand-alone or workgroup-connected
computer. If a computer running Windows XP Professional is added to a domain, then
Fast User Switching option is not available.
Pre-logon Connect: A Pre-logon/Common profile is active once a user logs onto the computer.
Pre-logon Connect establishes a wireless connection prior to user logon to Windows. This feature
is installed with Single Sign On.
WiFi Protected Setup: Installed as part of a Typical installation, this feature detects when a
compatible wireless router is present and provides easy connection to it.
To install these features, select Custom during installation. Follow the instructions below to install
features. If the WiFi connection utility is already installed, see the
2. The installer presents the message:
Welcome to the Intel(R) Wireless Installer Prerequisite Wizard. Click Next.
3. The next message displays:
Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard to Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software.
Click Next.
4. Read the license agreement.
5. Click I accept the terms in the license agreement. You can click Print if you want a
printed copy of the agreement. Then click Next.
6. Click Next to accept the default install destination folder. Otherwise, click Change to
specify a different location. Then click OK and Next.
7. Click Typical or Custom. If you click Typical, proceed to step 9.
8. If performing a Custom installation, select from the list of features to install. See
Custom
Installation for an explanation of the available features. For each feature, you can select:
❍ This feature will be installed on the local hard drive.
❍ This feature, and all subfeatures, will be installed on the local hard drive.
❍ The feature will not be available.
9. Click Next.
10. The installation may take several minutes. When the installation completes, the message
InstallShield Wizard Completed! displays. Click Finish.
11. You may be asked to reboot the computer. If so, you should reboot you computer now.
Click Yes to do so, or No to reboot later.
Install Additional Software Features
If the WiFi connection utility is already installed, follow the instructions below to add the
Administrator Tool and Pre-logon Connect:
1. Click Start > Control > Panel > Add or Remove Programs > Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software.
2. Click Change.
3. The next message displays:
Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard to Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software.
Click Next.
4. Click Modify. Then click Next.
5. Click the red X next to any of the features not currently installed that you want to install.
6. For each feature you want to install, click one of the following choices, as appropriate:
❍ This feature will be installed on the local hard drive.
❍ This feature, and all subfeatures, will be installed on the local hard drive.
7. Click Next.
8. The installation may take several minutes. When the installation completes, the message
InstallShield Wizard Completed! displays. Click Finish.
9. You may be asked to reboot the computer. If so, you should reboot you computer now.
Click Yes to do so, or No to reboot later.
1. Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
2. Click Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software.
3. Click Change.
4. The next message displays:
Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard to Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software.
Click Next.
5. Click Remove.
6. Click Next.
7. The next message appears. Make your selection from the list and click Next.
Save User Defined Settings. Choose what to do with your current application:
❍ Save. Save settings and files applicable to the current version of the application.
❍ Convert and Save. Save settings and files in the format compatible with PROSet/
Wireless WiFi version 10.
❍Remove. Do not save application settings.
8. The removal may take several minutes. After the software is removed, the message
InstallShield Wizard Completed! displays. Click Finish.
9. A message requests that you restart your computer. Click Yes to restart the computer.
Back to Top
Back to Contents
Trademarks and Disclaimers
Back to Contents
Get Connected
Connect to a Wireless Network
First Time Connection
Using Wi-Fi Protected Setup*
Configure an Access Point and set up a Network
Connect an Enrollee to a Network or Access Point
Add an Enrollee to a Network at the Registrar
Other Wireless Managers
Connect to a Wireless Network
You can connect to a wireless network with one of the following methods.
●Automatic connection: If an existing profile matches an available network, you are
automatically connected to that wireless network.
●Configure a new profile: Select a wireless network from the list of wireless networks in the
Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility main window. Click Connect. If you
successfully connect, a profile is created in the Profiles list for future use.
●Connect to a profile in the Profiles list: You can select a profile from the Profiles list. To
activate it, click Connect. This lets you connect to a network that is lower in the list (if it is
available).
●Right-click the Taskbar icon located in the lower right corner of your Windows desktop. Right-
click Connect to Profile. A list of previously configured profiles is listed. Select a profile.
First Time Connection
The WiFi connection utility automatically detects wireless networks that are within range of your
wireless adapter. When a network is found, a desktop alert notification displays: Wireless networks found. See
Taskbar Icons for more information.
1. Double-click the desktop alert to open the WiFi connection utility main window.
2. Select a network from the WiFi Networks list.
3. Click Connect. If the network does not require security authentication, a desktop alert notifies
you that you are connected to the network. See
Main Window and Taskbar for more
information about the taskbar menu and icons.
If you need to add security authentication:
1. The Create Wireless Profile manager opens and guides you through the configuration
process.
2. Specify a Profile Name. The Profile Name is your name for this network. It can be anything
that helps you identify this network. For example, My Home Network, Coffee Shop on A Street.
3. Wireless Network Name (SSID): Contains the network identifier name.
4. Click Next. The Profile Wizard then attempts to detect the network settings of this network.
❍If a pre-shared key (PSK) or WEP password are required, you are prompted to enter this
information prior to connection. Click Advanced to change or edit the PSK or other
security settings. For information on key and passwords, see
❍If you need to add security settings, click Profiles to access the Profiles list and the
Network Keys.
Profile Features. Use the Profile Wizard Security page to add the required security
settings. See
Security Settings for more information.
5. Click OK to connect to the wireless network.
Main Window for more information.
See
Using Wi-Fi Protected Setup* to Configure or Join a Network
● Configure an access point and set up a network
● Connect an enrollee (computer) to a network or access point
● Add an enrollee to a network at the registrar
Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi implements Wi-Fi Protected Setup* to permit easy and secure set up
and management of a wireless network. You can use this capability to initially set up a wireless
network and to introduce new devices to the network. Wi-Fi Protected Setup simplifies the set up
process and at same time helps ensure that the network is configured securely. The following terms
are used in this discussion.
●Access Point: A device that connects wireless devices to a network. The access point is
configured with the necessary network name (SSID) and security credentials.
●Enrollee: A device that seeks to join an access point or wireless network, but does not have
the password or key for the access point or network. Once the computer obtains the valid
password or key, it becomes a member of the wireless network. The WiFi connection utility can
be configured to operate as an enrollee for a supported access point.
●Registrar: A registrar is a logical entity (usually a computer) that allows other devices
(usually computers) to join the wireless network. The WiFi connection utility can be configured
to operate as a registrar for a supported access point(s). The registrar securely transfers the
access point key or password automatically.
A new wireless network is established by configuring the access point, connecting the desired
computers equipped with wireless adapters, and optionally attaching external network connectivity (i.
e. the Internet, typically by connecting the access point to a DSL or cable modem, or equivalent).
Configure an Access Point and Set up a Network
The following steps will configure this computer as a registrar for a secure network or access point.
1. Locate the device ownership password for the access point. This is set by the manufacturer of
the access point. The password is often located on a label on the bottom of the device.
2. Turn on the network access point.
3. At the computer that you want to establish as the registrar, turn on the WiFi connection utility.
4. In the WiFi connection utility, click Tools > Application Settings.
5. In the Advanced Settings area under Wi-Fi Protected Setup, turn on Enable device registration.
6. The next message tells you that one or more compatible devices are within range of your
computer. Click this message. (Or, you can select the network from the WiFi Networks list in
the WiFi connection utility main window.)
7. At the next window, on the Available Networks list, select the network that you want to
connect to. The listed network depends on what is detected. Click Next.
8. At the next window, enter the Device Ownership Password that you retrieved from the access
point in step 1. Click Next to continue.
9. The next window shown displays the Network Name, Security Type, and Password. If the
access point is already configured, it is grayed out; proceed to step 10. If the access point is
not configured (fields are not grayed out), proceed to step 11.
10. After a few seconds the following message is displayed:
The access point is already configured. Do you want to reconfigure it?
If you do not want to reconfigure the access point, select No. The software joins the network,
makes the connection, and creates a profile. It then exits and this procedure is completed. If
you want to reconfigure the access point, select Yes.
11. The next window is displayed. The first field shows the name of the access point. This is by
default the Network Name (SSID). In this example we have reset it to MyWPS. You can
name it whatever you want.
12. In the Security Type field, select the security type you want.
❍WPA* Personal requires manual configuration of a pre-shared key (PSK) on the access
point and clients. This PSK authenticates a password or identifying code, on both the
client station and the access point. An authentication server is not needed.
❍WPA2* is the second generation of WPA security that provides enterprise and consumer
wireless users with a high level of assurance that only authorized users can access their
wireless networks. Here we have selected WPA2 Personal security. You can use Intel
PROSet/Wireless WiFi profiles to obtain the wireless network name (SSID) and WPA2Personal pass phrase to use for a legacy device.
13. The third field is the Password (Key). The password shown is randomly generated or preconfigured, you can change it to whatever password you want. However you should use a
robust key for improved security. It must have between 8 and 63 characters. When you have
completed this step, click Next.
The following windows show the configuration of the access point and the registrar.
The following window appears briefly and shows the configuration of wireless settings for the access
point.
14. After the network receives the Ownership Password, you are notified that you have
Successfully connected to <name of wireless network>. Click Finish. This process
completes configuration of the access point and the registrar.
15. If you want to save these settings to a profile for future use by a legacy client, click Save wireless settings. The profile settings are saved to a text file (txt) on your local hard drive.
The file is saved to your local C:\ drive by default. Accept the default save location or click
Browse to choose another location on your computer.
Next, you can connect an enrollee (computer) to the network using the registrar.
Connect an Enrollee to a Network or Access Point
Perform these steps to connect an enrollee to the network you just created. This assumes that the
registrar computer is running the WiFi connection utility.
NOTE: To achieve transfer rates greater than 54 Mbps on 802.11n connections, WPA2-AES security
must be selected. No security (None) can be selected to enable network setup and troubleshooting.
1. At the enrollee you want to connect the network, a message tells you that one or more access
points with Wi-Fi Protected Setup capability is within range of your wireless computer. Click on
this message. (Or, you can select the network from the WiFi Networks list in the WiFi
connection utility main window.)
2. The Wireless Network Configuration start up page opens. Use the Available Networks list
to select the network that you want to connect to (in this example it is MyWPS). Then click
Next.
3. The Discovery window opens. The enrollee that you want to connect to the network discovers
the registrar for the network. Assuming that the Discovery process succeeds, the name of the
registrar or access point is displayed.
4. The next window appears, displaying the Device Password (enrollee password). The password
displayed at the enrollee is a unique, randomly generated temporary password for the
enrollee. This password is used to ask permission to connect to the network access point. (The
password shown below is an example only).
5. At the registrar, enter the password provided by the enrollee. Then click Next.
NOTE: This process assumes that the registrar is running the WiFi connection utility; the process
and windows displayed at the registrar may be different for software from other vendors. Some
access points may have a built in registrar.
6. The next window lists the profile for this network. The selected profile will be sent to the
enrollee, granting it access to the network. Only supported profiles are displayed. Supported
profiles are those based on WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and Open (None) security. Select the profile
and click Next to finalize the enrollment process.
7. The last window shows that the enrollee registration with the registrar is complete. Click
Finish.
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