The
fun of having a Windows Phone really becomes obvious only when you
connect to the Internet. There are two ways to get it: a carrier’s
cellular data network or a Wi-Fi hotspot in a home, hotel, or coffee
shop. You’re probably already paying your carrier for the former, so
why bother with Wi-Fi? One reason is speed. Wi-Fi is much faster than
the typical cellular network. Once you’re connected, look for the Wi-Fi
icon on the phone’s status bar. Windows Phone also remembers Wi-Fi
networks you join and connects you automatically the next time you’re
in range.
1. Connect to Wi-Fi
If
your phone detects a Wi-Fi hotspot in your vicinity, you’ll see a
notification. Tap it to connect. Otherwise, on the Start screen, flick
left to the Apps list.
Tap Settings.
Under System, tap Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi is turned on by default. If it’s not turned on, tap the slider.
Tap the network you want to connect to.
If the connection is a secure network, you have to enter a password. (To make this easier, tap Show Password.)
Tap Done.
Warning:
As of this writing, Windows
Phone 7 can’t connect to “hidden” Wi-Fi networks that don’t broadcast
their network name, or SSID. If you’ve hidden your network for security
reasons, you need to unhide it to connect your phone.
Tip:
Windows
Phone 7 currently supports only 802.11b and 802.11g Wi-Fi networks, not
the newer (and faster) 802.11n variety. But this shouldn’t prevent you
from connecting to most hotspots.
Tip:
To disconnect from a Wi-Fi hotspot, press and hold the network name, and then tap Delete on the menu.
