Gordon_Atherley
asked on
Windows 8 WiFi Setup
I'm a newcomer to W8, and I need help in setting up WiFi, please.
With a new W8 desktop machine, I have successfully set up the connection to the WiFi radiated by the home network router.
Experts, please, is there a way to set up on the W8 machine an additional connection to another WiFi system that originates from a place other than the home router?
I want to be able to easily deselect the home WiFi network and select and connect to the other.
My idea is to use the other WiFi network as a backup.
Gordon
With a new W8 desktop machine, I have successfully set up the connection to the WiFi radiated by the home network router.
Experts, please, is there a way to set up on the W8 machine an additional connection to another WiFi system that originates from a place other than the home router?
I want to be able to easily deselect the home WiFi network and select and connect to the other.
My idea is to use the other WiFi network as a backup.
Gordon
ASKER
I followed the steps described here
http://programming4.us/desktop/9084.aspx
and the network associated with the router was properly established.
I can see it top left in the Settings window.
Now I want to add another network so I can switch over to it as required.
http://programming4.us/desktop/9084.aspx
and the network associated with the router was properly established.
I can see it top left in the Settings window.
Now I want to add another network so I can switch over to it as required.
Ok, I assume you mean add a network manually that isn't currently available on the network list?
http://www.7tutorials.com/how-connect-hidden-wireless-networks-windows-8
That is how to add networks manually...but to be honest its simpler to wait until you are at the 2nd network location - select it like you've done for the first network - and then connect...
Once you've connected the first time the details will be saved
After that you can bring up the network list and select Connect to switch between the 2 networks(if they are in the same location I mean)
http://www.7tutorials.com/how-connect-hidden-wireless-networks-windows-8
That is how to add networks manually...but to be honest its simpler to wait until you are at the 2nd network location - select it like you've done for the first network - and then connect...
Once you've connected the first time the details will be saved
After that you can bring up the network list and select Connect to switch between the 2 networks(if they are in the same location I mean)
ASKER
I think you've pointed me in the right direction, thanks. I'll now follow through and report back.
Just one clarification. I'm already at the location at which the 'new' network is available. It's radiated by a Telco for travelling laptops. I use not for a travelling laptop but as a backup for the service that feeds the router, which travels via the telco's network.
I need a backup because I'm a talk show host, and I do my hosting from my home studio. I rely on Skype. I've occasionally experienced the router losing its signal--I've no idea why--so I've routinely used the 'new' network as the backup via something called a turbo stick.
The problem now is that the turbo stick works only with W7 and doesn't work with W8. By way of substitute the Telco provides the MiFi 2 "Intelligent Mobile Hotspot", which does work with W8.
From what you're advising, I gather that I should set up MiFi 2 and then see if it's detected by the W8 machine. If it is, I will be able to use the W8 capability to switch between the two networks--is that right?
Just one clarification. I'm already at the location at which the 'new' network is available. It's radiated by a Telco for travelling laptops. I use not for a travelling laptop but as a backup for the service that feeds the router, which travels via the telco's network.
I need a backup because I'm a talk show host, and I do my hosting from my home studio. I rely on Skype. I've occasionally experienced the router losing its signal--I've no idea why--so I've routinely used the 'new' network as the backup via something called a turbo stick.
The problem now is that the turbo stick works only with W7 and doesn't work with W8. By way of substitute the Telco provides the MiFi 2 "Intelligent Mobile Hotspot", which does work with W8.
From what you're advising, I gather that I should set up MiFi 2 and then see if it's detected by the W8 machine. If it is, I will be able to use the W8 capability to switch between the two networks--is that right?
Is this the 'turbo stick' you are referring to - http://mobilebusiness.bell.ca/mobile-internet/turbo-sticks-and-mifi/#hardware-and-plans/
If so then this is a '3G/4G' type device...your laptop doesn't have this with builtin wifi...so really you need one of those devices that has Windows 8 support...
The guides I posted earlier are all related to connecting to 'wifi' networks - i.e. standard wireless networks that your internal wifi card in the laptop can connect to...
If that 'Mifi' device does the same thing as the Turbo stick then yes - set it up and it 'should' allow you to switch from standard wifi to the mifi connection...
If you want point me to this mifi on the web so I can check it out and i'll see if it will work
If so then this is a '3G/4G' type device...your laptop doesn't have this with builtin wifi...so really you need one of those devices that has Windows 8 support...
The guides I posted earlier are all related to connecting to 'wifi' networks - i.e. standard wireless networks that your internal wifi card in the laptop can connect to...
If that 'Mifi' device does the same thing as the Turbo stick then yes - set it up and it 'should' allow you to switch from standard wifi to the mifi connection...
If you want point me to this mifi on the web so I can check it out and i'll see if it will work
ASKER
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Many thanks for researching all this for me. Much appreciated.
Not a problem...good luck!
The laptop/pc will auto connect to the strongest signal in any case
Here's a guide if you aren't sure where things are under Windows 8
http://programming4.us/desktop/9084.aspx