Features

If you're lucky enough to have a smartphone with WiFi, such as an O2 Xda Orbit, this is the quickest and easiest way to access the internet. In this walkthrough we show you how to use WiFi on the handset by connecting to a wireless network. For this example we used a smartphone running the latest Windows Mobile 6.0 operating system, but Windows Mobile 5.0 and Series 60 handsets connect in much the same way.

1 First you need to ensure that WiFi is turned on. Open the Comms Manager application in the Start menu under Settings, Connections. If the WLAN icon is highlighed, WiFi is on; if it isn't, click on the icon to activate it. Click on Settings, select WLAN Settings from the list provided and then click on WiFi. A list of available WiFi networks in your area will be displayed. An icon displaying signal strength (with a padlock denoting a secure network) is also shown next to each network's name.

2 Click on the Menu button and select WiFi settings from the list. The WiFi Networks settings screen is displayed. Here you can determine whether you want to connect to another device or computer rather than a network through an access point. For our purposes, select All available. In this menu you can choose if you want to be notified when you come within range of a new network. You can also choose to turn off WiFi after a certain amount of time when no signal is detected, in order to conserve battery power. When you have finished, select Done.

3 You will now automatically return to the list of WiFi networks. Scroll down to the one you wish to access and select Connect. A WiFi connections screen with basic details of the network will be shown - select Next. The Network Key screen will now be displayed. If it's an open network, you can simply select Finish, but for secure networks you will need to enter the Network's encryption key. Most modern networks will use WPA-PSK, which requires a password. This and any other required settings will be available from the network administrator. Type the password into the box marked Network key and select Finish. You need only enter the password once for each network and the handset will automatically connect to the previously used network each time it comes into range.

	4 Now when you return to the list of networks, a blue icon signifies the one you are connected to and the WiFi icon on the top green strip displays a full white circle to signify that you are connected. The name of the wireless network appears at the top of the home screen (clicking on the name is a quick way to access the WiFi menu).