Atheros Client Utility Help

Zero Configuration

This section describes the operation of the Atheros Client Utility (ACU) and Windows XP Wireless Configuration Service (WZCS).

Wireless Network Configuration

The Windows WZCS is a service that manages the wireless connection in a largely dynamic way. Only minimal connection information must be identified and configured.

To set Zero Configuration on Windows XP, take the following steps:

  1. In Windows XP, open the Wireless Network Configuration Properties dialog box.
  2. Select the check box “Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings” to set Zero Configuration.

When this check box is selected, Windows XP takes control of these settings for all configuration profiles:
bulletSSID
bulletSecurity keys
bulletAd hoc settings

Note that Windows XP takes control of these settings for all configuration profiles, thus users can not (for example) create new profiles with different settings while using Windows Zero Configuration.

The Zero Configuration settings override all configuration profiles, even when you select other options. However, the ACU does still control the following settings when Zero Configuration is set:
bulletPower settings
bulletActive/Passive scanning (where applicable)
bulletTransmit power
bulletWireless band
bulletShort/Long preamble (802.11b)

When Zero Configuration is in use, a pop-up message is displayed on the ACU when you attempt to create or edit a configuration profile from the Profile Management tab of the ACU.

To turn Zero Configuration off on Windows XP, take the following steps:

  1. In Windows XP, open the Wireless Network Configuration Properties dialog box.
  2. Clear the check box “Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings” to set Zero Configuration.

When this check box is cleared, all profile settings are controlled by the configuration profile, which is set up from the Profile Management tab of the ACU.