If no wired interface connection is detected at system startup, NWAM automatically tries to connect to an available wireless network at the system's physical location. If NWAM discovers more than one wireless network at the current location, you are prompted to select a network.
1. *Right-click the Network Status panel icon.*
You see a menu similar to the following.
!image:app.menu.wireless.gif|alt="The figure is explained in the next context."!
The menu includes the following information:
* Current automatic network interface selection, which is “wireless.”
* Name, or ESSID, of each wireless network. If the network's operational mode is ad hoc, its name is followed by the legend (Computer-to-Computer). For information about ESSIDs and ad hoc networks, refer to [How to Obtain More Information About Your Active Network Connection].
* Bars that indicate that network's current strength.
* Padlock icon identifying whether the network is publicly accessible (unlocked) or private (locked).
2. *Click a wireless network.*
* If you connect to a public network, you receive status information for that network.
* If you connect to a private network, you are prompted for a password.
Type the password to connect to the network. NWAM accepts WEP and WPA passwords. If you have problems connecting with a WEP password, refer to [Troubleshooting Issues With WEP Password Authentication].
When a wireless network is active, the NWAM Manager Status Icon for a wireless connection appears in the upper right corner of the desktop. You can obtain information about the wireless connection by hovering your cursor over this icon, as explained in [How to Check the Status of Your Network Connection].
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1. *Right-click the Network Status panel icon.*
You see a menu similar to the following.
!image:app.menu.wireless.gif|alt="The figure is explained in the next context."!
The menu includes the following information:
* Current automatic network interface selection, which is “wireless.”
* Name, or ESSID, of each wireless network. If the network's operational mode is ad hoc, its name is followed by the legend (Computer-to-Computer). For information about ESSIDs and ad hoc networks, refer to [How to Obtain More Information About Your Active Network Connection].
* Bars that indicate that network's current strength.
* Padlock icon identifying whether the network is publicly accessible (unlocked) or private (locked).
2. *Click a wireless network.*
* If you connect to a public network, you receive status information for that network.
* If you connect to a private network, you are prompted for a password.
Type the password to connect to the network. NWAM accepts WEP and WPA passwords. If you have problems connecting with a WEP password, refer to [Troubleshooting Issues With WEP Password Authentication].
When a wireless network is active, the NWAM Manager Status Icon for a wireless connection appears in the upper right corner of the desktop. You can obtain information about the wireless connection by hovering your cursor over this icon, as explained in [How to Check the Status of Your Network Connection].
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