Using Wi-Fi

Setting Up Wi-Fi

First,tap the Applications tab,tap Settings,and tap Wireless controls.

Although you can turn on Wi-Fi from here,you can do that from the Wi-Fi settings as well,so tap Wi-Fi settings.

Without Wi-Fi enabled,the only thing you can do here is enable Wi-Fi,so the next step is to tap that option.

Note: Wi-Fi drains the battery pretty quickly.If you don’t need it enabled,it’s worth disabling.If you do need it enabled,it is wise to keep your phone plugged in.

As soon as Wi-Fi is enabled,your phone begins scanning for Wi-Fi networks.If any are avail- able,you see them so that you can connect to them.If no networks are available,your phone scans for newly available networks on a regular schedule (every few minutes).

Note : that open networks and secured networks are distinguished by an icon and a description.The network’s relative strength is indicated by the white waves radiating from the dot. The more white,the better.

If you want to force the phone to scan for a new network (perhaps because the network was temporarily unavailable when the phone last scanned),press the Menu button and tap Scan.

As you can see,two networks are available to connect to—one secured and one open.

Note : A secured network requires a password or key to connect to it.An open network lets anyone connect to it. Lots of open public networks are available,particularly in large metropolitan areas.If you’re in a location that you know offers free Wi-Fi,feel free to connect to an open network.However,all data that you send to the Internet through this open network (including passwords and credit card numbers) could potentially be monitored by the network’s owner.Although this isn’t common,it can definitely happen.Certain coffee shops and bookstores often have secured networks because they require you to purchase some of their product before you can use their wireless networks.

We cannot condone stealing Wi-Fi from someone’s house or business that isn’tintending to offer their Wi-Fi free.We also recommend that if you have a wireless network at home,be sure to secure it.

When you attempt to connect to an open network,you see the signal strength and security of the network you’re connecting to.

If you connect to a secured network.

You need to use the keyboard to type in the security code.If you’re like me,you’ll want to check the Show password box so that,instead of seeing dots,you’ll be able read what you type.If you’re connecting to a secured network in a public location,such as a coffee shop or an airport,you’ll likely need to purchase access to the network.When you do so,you’ll obtain the security code for the network.If you’re connecting to a secured network that a friend owns,they will have to give you the security code.

You have a couple other options.First,there’s the option to add a Wi-Fi network manually.Tap Add a Wi-Fi network.

Note: You won’t usually need to add a Wi-Fi connection manually.Your phone should automatically detect any available connection in range.However,suppose,for example,that you’re going to a conference and you know secured Wi-Fi will be available.If you have the SSID (the network’s code) and security information, you can actually set up the network ahead of time.

Occasionally,to connect to a network,you need to create the network on your device,be it phone or computer,before you can connect to it.You need to talk to whoever runs the wireless network to get the login credentials.

You also see advanced options after pressing the Menu button and tapping Advanced.

This is another instance where you need to talk to whoever is running your wireless network. If you know what all this means,you probably know what values you need to provide.If you don’t,you’ll have to ask to find out.

As soon as you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network,your Internet traffic is routed over that network rather than over your mobile phone’s data plan.