Determining Your Network Type; Connecting To A Network In Windows Xp - Dell Inspiron 1100 Owner's Manual

NOTE: Most wireless
networks are the
infrastructure type.
Consult your network
administrator if you are
unsure of the type of
network to which you are
connecting.
Infrastructure Network
68 Setting Up a Home and Office Network

Determining Your Network Type

Wireless networks fall into two categories — infrastructure networks and
ad-hoc networks. An infrastructure network uses routers or access points to
connect several computers together. An ad-hoc network does not use routers
or access points and consists of computers that broadcast to one another.

Connecting to a Network in Windows XP

Your wireless network card requires proper software and drivers in order to
connect to a network. This software is pre-installed from the factory. If the
software is removed or corrupted, follow the instructions listed in the User's
Guide for your wireless card. The User's Guide is located on your Drivers,
Utilities, and Applications CD (that came with your computer) in the
"User's Guides-Network User's Guides" category. The User's Guide is also
available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Click the Start button, Control Panel, and then click Switch to
1
Classic View.
Double-click Network Connections.
2
Click Wireless Network Connection.
3
The Wireless Network Connection icon is highlighted.
Ad-Hoc Network