Back to Contents PageConnecting to a Wireless Local Area NetworkDell Precision™ Mobile Workstation M20 User's GuideDetermining Your Network TypeConnecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft® Windows® XPDetermining Your Network TypeWireless networks fall into two categories—infrastructure networks and ad-hoc networks. An infrastructure network uses routers or access points to connectseveral computers. An ad-hoc network does not use routers or access points and consists of computers that broadcast to one another. For additionalassistance with setting up your wireless connection, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword wireless setup.Connecting to a Wireless Network in Microsoft® Windows® XPYour wireless network card requires specific software and drivers in order to connect to a network. The software is already installed. If the software isremoved or corrupted, follow the instructions included in the user's guide for your wireless network card. The user's guide is located on your Drivers andUtilities 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 Supportwebsite at support.dell.com.When you turn on your computer, a pop-up appears from the network icon in the notification area whenever a network is detected in the area for which yourcomputer is not configured.1. Click either the pop-up or the network icon to configure your computer for one of the available wireless networks.The Wireless Network Connections window lists the wireless networks available in your area.NOTE: These networking instructions do not apply to internal cards with Bluetooth® wireless technology or cellular products.NOTE: To configure a wireless computer running the Windows 2000 operating system, see the user's guide that came with your wireless networkadapter.NOTE: Your Dell QuickSet power management software can disable your wireless card. If your wireless card is not working, see your QuickSet Help byclicking the QuickSet icon in the taskbar, then clicking Help.NOTE: Most wireless networks are of the infrastructure type.1 infrastructure network2 a d-hoc network