Intel 512AN_MMW, 533AN_HMW, 533AN_MMW, 512AN_HMW, PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User Manual

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

Supported wireless adapters:

Intel® Centrino® Ultimate-N 6300
Intel® Centrino® Advanced -N + WiMAX 6250
Intel® Centrino® Advanced -N 6200
Intel® Centrino® Wireless- N 1000
Intel® WiMAX/WiFi Link 5350
Intel® WiFi Link 5300
Intel® WiMAX/WiFi Link 5150
Intel® WiFi Link 5100
Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AG_
Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945_BG Network Connection

With your WiFi network card, you can access WiFi networks, share files or printers, or even share your Internet
connection. All of these features can be explored using a WiFi network in your home or office. This WiFi 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 WiFi adapter, your adapter is compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g,
and 802.11n (draft 2.0) wireless standards. Operating at 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz frequency at data rates of up to 450
Mbps, you can now connect your computer to existing high-speed networks that use multiple access points within
large or small environments. Your WiFi 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® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility

Connect to a Network
Use Wi -Fi Protected Setup*
Use Profiles
Set up Security
WiFi Network Overview
Administrator Tool
Create Administrator Packages
Create Profiles
Security Overview
Safety and Regulatory Information
Specifications
Troubleshooting
Glossary
Customer Support
Warranty

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2004–2009 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved. Intel Corporation, 5200 N.E. Elam Young Parkway,

Hillsboro, OR 97124-6497 USA

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® 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

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

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."

August 14 , 2009

Back to Contents

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

Use the Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility

Use Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility as your Wireless Manager
Start Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility
Start Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility from the Taskbar

Taskbar Icons
Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility Main Window

First Time Connection
WiFi Networks list
Connection Status Icons
Network Properties
Connection Details

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software Menus

Tools Menu

Application Settings
Intel® Wireless Troubleshooter
Manual Diagnostics Tool
Administrator Tool

Advanced Menu

Adapter Settings
Advanced Statistics
Use Windows to Manage WiFi

Profiles Menu

Manage Profiles
Manage Exclusions

Use Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility Profile Features
Turn Wireless Radio On or Off
Installing Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility
Install Additional Software Features
Remove Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility

Use Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility as Your Wireless
Manager

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software is used to set up, edit, and manage WiFi network profiles to connect to WiFi
networks. It also includes advanced settings such as power management and channel selection for setting up ad­hoc WiFi 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 WiFi 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® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility is configured to manage

your network profiles.

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

NOTE: Verify that the Application Settings
adapter is selected. This option prompts you when Microsoft Windows* XP Wireless Zero Configuration

starts to manage your network profiles.

option Notify when another application uses the WiFi

Start Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility

To start the WiFi connection utility, use one of the following methods:

Click Start > Programs > Intel PROSet Wireless > WiFi Connection Utility.
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® 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 WiFi 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

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

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. See

complete description.

Connection Details for a

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 WiFi adapter. The connection status icon
displays in the WiFi connection utility main window See

Connection Status Icons .

Profile Management

On the WiFi connection utility main window, click Connect on a WiFi 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 WiFi network.

You can also add, edit, and remove profiles from the Profiles list. Click Profiles on the WiFi connection utility main

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

window.
Different profiles can be configured for each wireless network. Profile settings can include, the network name

(SSID), operating mode, and security settings. See

Profile Management for more information.

Menus

Use the File, Tools, Advanced, Profiles and Help menus to configure your network settings.

Name Description
File Exit: Closes the WiFi connection utility main window.
Tools Application Settings: Use to set system wide connection preferences. See Application Settings

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 WiFi adapter. See Manual Diagnostics Tool

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 packages
systems. See Administrator Tool

for more information.

for more information.

to export to other

for

NOTE: The Administrator Tool is available only if it installed during a custom installation of the
Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software. See Install Additional Software Features
on custom installation.

Advanced Adapter Settings: Displays Adapter Settings that are equivalent to the settings in the Microsoft

Windows Advanced settings. See Adapter Settings
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 WiFi adapter and connection.
See Advanced Statistics

Use Windows to Manage WiFi: Select to enable Microsoft Windows* XP as the wireless manager.
See Microsoft Windows* XP Wireless Zero Configuration

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 Help: Starts the online help.

About: Displays version information for the currently installed application components.

for more information.

for information.

for more information.

for more information

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

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

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

Name Description
Administrator

Packages

Application
Settings

Administrator
Profiles

Adapter
Settings

EAP-FAST A­ID Groups

Change
Password

Close Closes the page.
Help? Provides help information for this page.

Administrator Tool section.

The Administrator Packages are used to save administrative profiles and other settings. For
Windows* XP, you can copy or send this self -extracting executable to clients on your network.
When it is run, the contents are installed and configured on the destination computer. See

Administrator Tool Packages

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 Administrator Tool 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 Administrator Tool Adapter Settings

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 Administrator Tool EAP-FAST A-ID Groups

Change the password for the Administrator Tool. See Change Password

.

.

.

.

.

for more information.

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 WiFi
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.

Installing Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

Typical Installation

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

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

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.

Intel® Wireless Troubleshooter: Provides valuable assistance in resolving wireless WiFi connection problems.
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

post-installation instructions.

Install Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

1. Insert the Installation CD in your CD drive.

2. The installer presents the message:
Welcome to the Intel® PROSet Wireless Tools Installation Wizard. Click Next.

3. The next message displays:
Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Intel® 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
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.

for an

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:

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

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 for Intel® 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.

Remove Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility

To uninstall the WiFi connection utility:

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 for Intel® 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 settings:

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 Intel® PROSet/Wireless

versions 10 and 11.
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. 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.

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Back to Contents

Trademarks and Disclaimers

Back to Contents

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

Taskbar Icon

Taskbar Menu Options
Taskbar Icons
Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts
Start Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility from Taskbar

Taskbar Menu Options

The Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility status icon displays on the Taskbar located in the lower right
corner of your Windows desktop. This icon looks like this:

Right -click the status icon to display the menu options.
If the WiFi connection utility is managing your WiFi connections, then the following menu options appear.

Name Description
Configure WiFi Click to open the Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility and configure

your WiFi connections.

WiFi On Click to turn on the Intel WiFi adapter. The adapter will conduct a search for

networks and may connect to a specific network, depending on the application
settings.

WiFi On, 802.11a Off This optional menu item may be present, depending on the computer

manufacturer and whether the WiFi adapter supports band 802.11a or not. If
present, this lets you turn on the WiFi radio (band b or g), but turn off the

802.11a band. See Turn Radio On or Off

WiFi Off Click to turn off the Intel WiFi adapter. If you are currently connected to a WiFi

network and you click WiFi Off, your WiFi network connection will be closed.

Connect to Profile Displays the current profiles in the Profiles list. Click on a profile to connect to it.
Add New Device This command lets you add a new device (for example, a laptop) using Wi-Fi

Protected Setup*. The availability of this command on your computer means that
your computer is already configured as a Wi-Fi Protected Setup registrar (using
the WiFi connection utility). See Add an New Device .

If Windows Zero Configuration manager is managing your WiFi connections, then the following menu options
appear.

for more information.

Name Description

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

Open
Wireless
Zero
Configuration

WiFi On Click to turn on the Intel WiFi adapter. The adapter will conduct a search for networks and

WiFi Off Click to turn off the Intel WiFi adapter. If you are currently connected to a WiFi network and

Connect to
Profile

Add New
Device

Enable WiFi
Control

Click to open Windows Zero Configuration, the wireless connections manager provided by
Windows*. Only available if you have selected Use Windows to Manage WiFi at the Intel®
PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility, Advanced menu.

may connect to a specific network, depending on the application settings.

you click WiFi Off, your WiFi network connection will be closed.
Displays the current profiles in the Profiles list. Click on a profile to connect to it.

This command lets you add a new device (for example, a laptop) using Wi-Fi Protected
Setup*. The availability of this command on your computer means that your computer is
already configured as a Wi - Fi Protected Setup registrar (using the WiFi connection utility).
See Add an New Device

Click to assign management of your WiFi connections to the WiFi connection utility. Wireless
Zero Configuration manager will no longer manage your connections. If you want to assign
management of your WiFi connections back to Wireless Zero Configuration manager, open
the Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi software, and under the Advanced menu, click Use
Windows to Manage WiFi.

.

Taskbar Icons

The Taskbar icon provides visual indication of the current WiFi connection state. The connection status icon is
located on the lower right corner of your Windows desktop. The Taskbar icon can be set to display or be hidden in
the Tools Menu

Name Description

Application Settings.

WiFi Off: The WiFi adapter currently is off. The WiFi adapter does not
transmit or receive while it is off. Click WiFi On to enable the adapter.
The icon is white and static.

Searching for WiFi networks: The WiFi adapter searches for any
available WiFi networks. The icon is white with animation.

No WiFi networks found: There are no available WiFi networks
found. Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility periodically
scans for available networks. If you want to force a scan, double-click
the icon to launch Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility and
click Refresh. The icon is red.

WiFi networks found: An available WiFi network is found. Double ­click the icon to display the WiFi Networks list. Select the network.
Click Connect. The icon is yellow.

Authentication failed: Unable to authenticate with WiFi network. The
icon is green with a yellow warning triangle.

Connecting to a WiFi network: Flashes while an IP address is being
obtained or if an error occurs.

Connected to a WiFi network: Connected to a WiFi network. Tool tip
displays network name, speed, signal quality and IP address. The icon
is green with waves that reflect signal quality. The more waves, the
better the signal quality.

Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts

The Tool Tips and Desktop Alerts provide feedback and interaction. To display Tool Tips, move your mouse pointer

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

over the icon. Desktop alerts are displayed when your WiFi network changes state. For example, if you are out of
range of any WiFi networks, a desktop alert is displayed when you come into range.

Select Show Information Notifications in the

Application Settings to enable desktop alerts.

Tool Tips

Tool tips display when the mouse pointer rolls over the icon. The tool tips display text for each of the connection
states.

Desktop Alerts

When user action is required, a desktop alert displays. If you click the alert, then an appropriate action is taken.
For example when WiFi networks are found, the following alert displays:

Action: Click the desktop alert to connect to a network in the WiFi Networks list.
Once connected, the alert displays the WiFi network that you are connected to, the speed of the connection, signal

quality and IP address.

Desktop alerts are also used to indicate if there is a connection problem. Click the alert to open the Intel®

Wireless Troubleshooter .

Start Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software from Taskbar

To start Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software:

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

Double-click the Taskbar icon located in the lower right corner of your Windows desktop, or
Right -click the Taskbar icon , and select Configure WiFi.

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Back to Contents

Trademarks and Disclaimers

Back to Contents

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

Get Connected

Connect to a WiFi Network
First Time Connection
Using Wi-Fi Protected Setup*
Configure an Access Point and set up a WiFi Network
Connect an Enrollee to a WiFi Network or Access Point
Add an Enrollee to a WiFi Network at the Registrar
Other Wireless Managers

Connect to a WiFi Network

You can connect to a WiFi 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 WiFi networks in the Intel®
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. Click Connect to
Profile. A list of previously configured profiles is listed. Select a profile.

First Time Connection

The WiFi connection utility automatically detects WiFi networks that are within range of your WiFi adapter. When a
network is found, a desktop alert notification displays: WiFi networks found. See
information.

1. Double-click the desktop alert to open the WiFi connection utility main window.

2. Select a network from the WiFi Networks list.

Taskbar Icons for more

3. Click Connect. If the network does not require security authentication, a desktop alert notifies you that you

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

are connected to the network. See Main Window
and icons.

4. If the network has security enabled, the Profile Wizard opens the Configure WiFi Settings window. This
guides you through the process of creating a WiFi profile for this network. After a profile is created,
connecting to this network in the future will be much easier.

5. You are requested to specify a Profile Name. The Profile Name is your name for this network. You can
accept the existing profile name if present, or enter one. The profile name can be anything that helps you
identify this network. For example, My Home Network, Coffee Shop on A Street.

6. You are requested to specify WiFi Network Name (SSID): This contains the network identifier name. This
is a unique identifier that differentiates one WiFi network from another. If one is already entered, you can
keep that.

7. Click Next. The Profile Wizard then detects the security settings of this network. The information you enter
depends on those security settings. For information about security settings, see Security Settings
information about keys and passwords, see Network Keys
You may need to contact the network administrator for the information needed to log into this network.

8. After entering the required information, click OK to connect to the wireless network.

and Taskbar for more information about the taskbar menu

. For more

. For more information about profiles, see Profiles.

See Main Window

for more information.

Using Wi-Fi Protected Setup* to Configure or Join a Network

Configure an access point and set up a network

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

Connect an enrollee (computer) to a network or access point
Add an enrollee to a network at the registrar

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility implements Wi -Fi Protected Setup* to permit easy and secure set
up and management of a WiFi 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 WiFi 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 WiFi 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 Application Settings area under Wi -Fi Protected Setup, turn on Enable device registration.

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

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 networks depends on what is detected. Click Next.

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

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

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

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 WiFi networks. Here we have
selected WPA2 Personal security. You can use Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility profiles
to obtain the WiFi network name (SSID) and WPA2-Personal pass phrase to use for a legacy device.

13. The third field is the Password (Key). The password shown is randomly generated or pre-configured, 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.

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

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 WiFi Network or Access Point

Perform these steps to connect an enrollee to the network you just created. This assumes that the registrar

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

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 WiFi Protected Setup Wizard 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.

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

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.

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

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.

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

8. At the enrollee, click Next. At the enrollee, you are notified when you have Successfully connected to
<name of wireless network>. Click Finish.

Add an Enrollee to an Existing WiFi Network at the Registrar

This following procedure lets you add an enrollee to an existing WiFi network, where the access point is already
configured and the registrar has already joined the AP.

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.

1. Get the Device Password for the enrollee computer that you want to add to the network.

2. At the task tray icon for the WiFi connection utility, right - click and select Add New Device.

3. Perform steps 5 through 8 of the procedure Connect an Enrollee to a Network or Access Point

.

Other Wireless Managers

If the WiFi connection utility detects another software application trying to communicate with the wireless device,
you are notified of this behavior.

Microsoft Windows* XP Wireless Zero Configuration

To switch from the Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility to the Microsoft Windows* XP Wireless Zero
Configuration, perform these steps:

1. At the Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility main window, under the Advanced menu, select Use
Windows to Manage WiFi.

2. At the prompt window, you are queried: Do you want Windows to manage your WiFi network connections ?
Click Yes.

3. Click Close to close the Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility.

4. Right -click on the taskbar icon and select Open Wireless Zero Configuration.
NOTE: Any wireless profiles created in the WiFi connection utility are not visible in Microsoft Windows*

XP Wireless Zero Configuration. If you want to use your Intel wireless profiles, click Enable WiFi
control on the main window.

When you are finished using the Microsoft Windows* XP Wireless Zero Configuration, you can switch back to the

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

WiFi connection utility To do this, click Enable WiFi control on the WiFi connection utility main window.

Third-Party Wireless Software

If you use software provided by a hotspot location (coffee shop, airport terminal), the WiFi connection utility
notifies you and then disables itself. It cannot manage the wireless device when another wireless manager
communicates with the wireless device. To take advantage of the WiFi connection utility features, you want to
disable or remove this software when you leave the hotspot.

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Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

WiFi Networks list

The WiFi Networks list displays a list of WiFi networks within range of the adapter. To update the list, click

Refresh to rescan for WiFi networks.

How to Access

The available network list is shown on the main window.

Name Description
WiFi

Networks ( )

Network
Name

The number within the parentheses designates the number of wireless network found within range
of your wireless network adapter.

The signal strength of the wireless network access point or computer (Device to Device [ad hoc]
mode). The signal strength icon bars indicate that the wireless network or computer is available
for connection but is still not associated with an access point or computer (Device to Device [ad
hoc] mode).

Network Name (SSID): The name of the network that the adapter is connected to. The Network
Name (SSID) must be the same as the SSID of the access point.

If an access point does not broadcast its network name (SSID) or the WiFi adapter receives a
hidden network name from a stealth access point, <SSID not broadcast> is displayed in the
WiFi Networks list. To associate with an <SSID not broadcast> network entry, a new profile must
be created before connection. After connection, the <SSID not broadcast> is still displayed in the
WiFi Networks list. The associated SSID profile is viewed in the Profiles list.

Status Notification that the adapter is connecting to the WiFi network. Once connected, the status is

changed to Connected.
Profiles: Identifies a network in the WiFi Networks list that is connected and has a profile in the

profiles list.
The WiFi network uses Network (Infrastructure) mode.
The WiFi network uses Device to Device (ad hoc) mode.

The WiFi network uses Security encryption.
The band frequency being used by the wireless network (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n).

The WiFi network is on the Exclude list or the profile is configured for Manual connection. When
set to Manual in the profile, connection to network or an access point is not automatic. Double ­click on the network in the list to connect to it.

Connect
(Disconnect)

Click to connect to a WiFi network. Once connected, the button changes to Disconnect.
Lists the network names of the available networks and profiles. The network status icons

the current connection status.

indicate

If the selected network has 802.1X authentication, the Profile Wizard General Settings
opens. If the network has no WEP security (Open), WEP 64 -bit or 128-bit encryption, or
pre-shared key (PSK), click Connect.
If a PSK or WEP password are required, you are prompted to enter this information prior to
connection. If you need to add security settings, click Advanced to access the Create WiFi

Profile General Settings. See First Time Connection

Properties Provides detailed information about the connected network and its access points. See Network

Properties for information.

for more information.

Refresh Refreshes the list of available networks. If any new networks are available within range of the

Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

adapter, the list is updated to show the new network name.

Profiles Opens the Profiles
WiFi On /

Switch the WiFi radio off and on. See Turn WiFi On or Off

window, from where you can manage profiles.

for more information.

WiFi Off
Close Closes the Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility main window.
Help? Provides help information for this page.

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Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility User's Guide

Connection Status Icons

The connection status icons indicate the current connection status of your WiFi adapter. The connection status icon
displays in the Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility main window. The Taskbar icon also indicates the
current connection status. See

Icon Description

WiFi turned off: The WiFi adapter radio is turned off. Click the WiFi On button to turn on the

radio.

Indicates connection problems including authentication failures.

Searching for WiFi networks: The WiFi adapter is scanning for any available WiFi networks.
Animated Icons:

Taskbar Icons for more information.

Network
Name

Signal
Quality

No WiFi networks found: The adapter does not find any available WiFi networks.

WiFi network found: An available WiFi network is found. You can choose to connect to available

networks displayed in the WiFi Networks list

Connecting to a WiFi network: You are connecting to a WiFi network. The crescent shaped curves
switch between green and white until an IP Address is obtained or if a connection error occurs.

Connected to a WiFi network: You are connected to a WiFi network. The network name, speed,
signal quality, and IP address display the current connection status. Click the Details
display details of the current network connection.

Name (Profile Name or SSID): The name of the network that the adapter is connected to. The
Name column displays the SSID or the Profile name if a profile for the network is available.

The signal strength icon bars indicate the quality of the transmit and receive signals between your
WiFi adapter and the access point or computer in Device to Device (ad hoc) mode. The number of
vertical green bars indicates the strength of the transmit and receive signals.

NOTE: The signal strength is displayed for the closest AP for networks that contains multiple APs.
The signal strength ranges from excellent to out of range. The following factors affect signal

strength:

.

button to

Signal quality decreases with distance and is affected by metal and concrete barriers.
Metal objects can reflect signals and cause interference.
Other electrical devices can cause interference.

Properties Provides adapter connection status information. See Network Properties
WiFi On/

WiFi

Indicates the state of the WiFi radio, on or off. This drop- down also lets you switch the radio on or
off. Depending on the WiFi adapter and the OEM computer manufacturer, this drop -down may have

for information.