Sunday, July 25, 2010

How to setup wireless in Ubuntu

You can easily setup WiFi connections in Ubuntu in just a few clicks. Click on the Network Manager applet and you'll be able to see a list of available wireless networks. If you're using a mobile device be sure your WiFi is enabled. You'll need to know a few things before you can setup the connection:

  • SSID (Network name)
  • Authentication type (WEP, WPA, WPA2, etc)
  • Authentication key

In Network Manager, click on the SSID for your wireless network. You'll be asked for the authentication type and key if it's a secured wireless network. Choose the type as set in your router and type in the authentication key to connect.


And you're basically done! Those are the minimal steps to get up and running with Ubuntu's wireless support.

Silencing GNOME keyring

Ubuntu uses GNOME keyring to store passwords for various things. You may notice after setting up your secured wireless connection, Network Manager will want to access the keyring every time you login to Ubuntu. This is normal. Network Manager needs to retrieve the wireless authentication key stored in GNOME keyring to connect to your wireless so GNOME keyring is asking you if you want o allow it to do so. It behaves that way because Ubuntu is configured to be secure by default.



Generally, it's a good idea to leave things that way but if you prefer not to be bothered every boot then head over to System->Preferences->Network Connections. Under the wireless tab you'll see your wireless connection listed. Select it and click Edit. At the bottom of the editing window, enable the "Available to all users" option and click on apply to allow any user on your computer to use the connection. GNOME keyring won't bother you about Network Manager again.

Related posts:

Configuring the NetGear DG834Gv5 wireless router

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