Task

Starting Wireless LAN Communications

You can establish wireless LAN communications between your VAIO computer and an access point (not supplied) using VAIO Smart Network. Before using the wireless LAN, make sure your access point is on and operating.

Read the instructions in Before Using the Wireless LAN for correct use. [Details]

Set the WIRELESS switch [Details] to ON.

Click (Start), All Programs, and VAIO Smart Network or click (the VAIO Smart Network icon) in the desktop notification area.

Make sure the switch next to Wireless LAN or Wi-Fi is toggled to On.

If it is set to Off, click it to toggle to On.

Hint

Make sure the WIRELESS indicator light [Details] is on.

In the VAIO Smart Network window, select a mode that suits your wireless LAN.

Refer to the help file included with VAIO Smart Network for more information about operations.

Click or (the Network icon) in the desktop notification area.

Select the desired access point and click Connect.

After the connection is established, Connected appears in the selected wireless access point field.
If you cannot find the desired access point, click

(Refresh).
If a security key [Details] entry window appears, enter the security key as required and click OK. Note that security keys are case-sensitive.

Note

On IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n equipped models, when only the 2.4 GHz wireless LAN function is enabled, your VAIO computer cannot connect to a 5 GHz wireless LAN access point. Also, when only the 5 GHz wireless LAN function is enabled, the computer cannot connect to a 2.4 GHz wireless LAN access point.
On IEEE 802.11b/g/n or IEEE 802.11b/g equipped models, when the 2.4 GHz wireless LAN function is disabled, the computer cannot connect to an access point. Also, the computer cannot connect to a 5.0 GHz wireless LAN access point.

It may take some time to find and connect to a wireless LAN access point before starting communications via the wireless LAN.

Hint

Once you connect your VAIO computer to the access point by entering the security key, the access point will be registered in the computer. You do not have to enter the security key for subsequent connections.

To check wireless LAN connection status

You can move the mouse pointer over

(the Network icon) in the desktop notification area to check the wireless LAN connection status, such as the access point currently connected to your VAIO computer.