Checking the Connection Status

Hover over the wireless adapter system tray icon.

You should see the status information popup, as shown in Figure 13-8. If you are connected to a network, the popup shows the network name (Service Set Identifier, or SSID) you are connected to, the speed (or data rate), and the signal strength of the connection.

Figure 13-8. Hovering over the System Tray Icon

Double-click the wireless adapter system tray icon.

As shown in Figure 13-9, you should see the connection and activity status. This lets you know the network name (SSID) you are connected to, how long you have been connected, the speed (or data rate), and the signal strength of the connection. You can also see how many packets have been sent and received while you have been connected.

Figure 13-9. Wireless Network Connection General Status

If both the wireless network adapter you are using and the wireless router or access point are 802.11g-compliant, the best possible data rate would be 54 Mbps. When you are using products with a speed-booster feature, the data rate might be higher. If the network devices, however, support only 802.11b, the highest data rate possible is 11 Mbps.

In addition, this window gives you another way to disable your network adapter, go to the properties of the adapter, and go to the View Available Wireless Networks window.

Click the Support tab.

As Figure 13-10 illustrates, you should see the current IP address information of your wireless adapter.

Figure 13-10. Wireless Network Connection Support Status

Clearly shown in Figure 13-10 is the address type, or the way the IP address was received, the IP address assigned to your computer, the subnet mask, and the default gateway, which is the IP address of the device you are connected through, such as a wireless router.