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My
Publications -
Tutorials
Intro
to Wi-Fi Networking Using Windows Vista
By
Eric Geier
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Originally Published by Wi-Fi
Planet on June 12, 2007 -
One of the
numerous changes and enhancements in Windows Vista is the range of
networking features. Microsoft tried to increase networking
performance and security, though users will have to get used to a new
look and interface. Therefore, this series of tutorials will introduce
you to some of the enhancements and changes in Windows Vista involving
networking, compared to its predecessor, Windows XP, and will show you
how to perform common networking configuration tasks.
Network and
Sharing Center
The new
Network and Sharing Center (below) provides a one-stop shop for all
your networking and Internet configuration needs.
You can access
the Network and Sharing Center via many methods:
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Right-click
on the network status icon in the system tray.
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Double-click
on the network status icon in the system tray.
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Double-click
on the Network and Sharing Center icon in the Control Panel.
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Click on
the Network and Sharing Center button on the tool bar when viewing
your Network.
As you can
see, this center provides visual maps of your home or office network.
The full map that’s accessible from this center provides an easy way
to access any shared resources of other PCs and devices on the
network.
Just below the
network map on the Network and Sharing Center, you can view and access
your connection information. The Customize link allows you to change
the name of the network connection, the type (private or public), and
the icon given to the network connection, such as the briefcase you
see in figure 1.
Next, you’re
provided with the status of all the main sharing and discovery
settings and the ability to make quick changes, which is a big
enhancement from XP.
Another
exceptional improvement is the set of links on the bottom of the
window, showing you all the files and folders your account and
computer are sharing on the network.
The integrated
task pane on the left side of the window provides access to familiar
connectivity settings and tasks, as well as a shortcut to the Internet
Options and Wireless Firewall settings.
New Network
Classification Scheme
In Windows
Vista, the first time you connect to a network, you must classify its
location/type: Home, Work, or Public.
Here’s the
window that pops up after you connect to a new network:
This new
feature is extremely useful as it automatically modifies the
appropriate network settings based upon the location type you choose.
For example, say you connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot at your local café;
you would choose Public location. Then Vista will automatically
disable all network discovery and sharing to protect your documents
and privacy while on the unsecured network. Then, say you went back
home and connected to your home network, naturally classified as a
Home location. Windows Vista then would allow network discovery and
sharing, because you trust the other users on the network.
Support for
Non-Broadcasting Wireless Networks
Windows Vista
makes it easier to use wireless networks that do not broadcast their
SSID (also known as the network name). In Windows XP, these types of
networks didn’t appear on the list of available wireless networks;
however, they now appear as unnamed networks in Windows Vista.
Instead of
having to manually add a non-broadcasting wireless network to the
preferred network list in order to connect, all you have to do in
Vista is select the Unnamed Network, click Connect, and when prompted,
enter the SSID.
You may think
that this degrades the security that hidden networks offer; however,
the SSID is still needed in order to connect to the network.
Additionally, not broadcasting your SSID doesn’t offer a whole lot
of security anyway, a fact that I’ve discussed before.
Where’s
My Network Places?
The My Network
Places feature that has been in previous versions of Windows has
simply been renamed to Network in Vista. You can access the Network on
Vista’s start menu or when viewing your computer contents in Windows
Explorer. Furthermore, for even quicker access, you can add the
Network icon to your desktop:
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Right-click
on your desktop and select Personalize.
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Click the Change
desktop icons link, on the left in the integrated task pane.
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Check the
icons you wish to appear on the desktop, then click OK to
exit.
Stay Tuned for
more on networking using Windows Vista.
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