Connecting to Wi-Finetworks

Connecting to Wi-Fi networks

Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that can provide Internet access at distances of up to 100 meters, depending on the Wi-Fi router and your surroundings.

To use Wi-Fi on your phone, you access a wireless access point, or “hotspot.” Some hotspots are open and you can simply connect to them. Others are hidden or implement other security features, so you must configure your phone so it can connect to them.

There are numerous systems for securing Wi-Fi connections, including some that rely on secure certificates or other schemes to ensure that only authorized users can connect. For information about installing secure certificates, see “Working with secure certificates” on page 74.

Turn off Wi-Fi when you’re not using it, to extend the life of your battery between charges.

Network status icons turn green if you have a Google Account added to your phone and the phone is connected to Google services, for syncing your Gmail, Calendar events, contacts, for backing up your settings, and so on. If you don’t have a Google Account or if, for example, you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network that is not connected to the Internet, the network icons are white.

When you connect to a Wi-Fi network, the phone obtains a network address and other information it needs from the network, using the DHCP protocol. To configure the

phone with a fixed IP address and other advanced settings, press Menu and touch Advanced. See “Advanced Wi-Fi settings screen” on page 357.