PC Client Helps Those Desperately Seeking WiFi
WiNc works with almost all WiFi hardware and provides a simple way to find, save, link up to, and manage personal WiFi connections. Even better, Cirond has developed a smaller version for PocketPC, so mobile users can enjoy WiNc's capabilities as well.

How It Works

The interface looks roughly the same on both platforms. It provides three tabs to help you locate, select, and connect to wireless networks. The Connection Management tab is where you identify and select wireless networks. By default, the software scans for new networks every 10 seconds, but you can reduce the frequency to every 2 minutes. The software sorts networks by signal strength initially, but you can sort by SSID, channel, WEP-key status (locked or unlocked), and more.

This window also helps you select the best network. For example, the software uses a closed padlock symbol to mark networks secured by WEP keys. You can even use WiNc to bypass potential areas of congestion. Typically, your system connects to the most powerful WiFi signal. But if two or more access points are operating on the same channel—say 6—you can select an AP using 11 instead, even if the signal strength is lower. You'll likely get a better connection than from the AP with the best signal, because you'll avoid interference. You can mark a network you like as preferred, and when that network is available, your system will automatically connect to it.

Once you connect, the General tab gives you details on the connection—how fast the link is, total packets sent and received, and more. This is also where you can enter the WEP key for a network.

Another really nice WiNc feature automates the often frustrating process of setting up an ad hoc network—a peer-to-peer connection between two WiFi computers. You do this for quick file transfers or head-to-head gaming.

The IP Properties tab is a bit geeky, but longtime wireless users will appreciate both the information and the capabilities it gives. Here you can track exactly what Internet address parameters have been granted to your computer through DHCP, the automatic network configuration protocol used by most networks today. Many WiFi connection problems result from faulty or old IP configurations. Even if you don't know what all the stuff on this screen means, you can easily ask the network's server to reconfigure you, making obtaining a new IP address easy.

http://www.pcmag.com/print_article/0,3048,a=59192,00.asp