Using GNOME NetworkManager Applet

In GNOME, NetworkManager can be controlled with the GNOME NetworkManager applet. If the network is set up for NetworkManager control, the applet usually starts automatically with the desktop environment and is shown as an icon in the system tray.

If your system tray does not show any network connection icon, the applet is probably not started. Press Alt+F2 and enter nm-applet to start it manually.

Connecting to Wired Networks

If your computer is connected to an existing network with a network cable, use the NetworkManager applet to choose the network connection.

Left-click the applet icon to show a menu with available networks. The currently used connection is selected in the menu.
To switch to another network, choose it from the list.
To switch off all network connections, both wired and wireless, right-click the applet icon and uncheck Enable Networking.

Connecting to Wireless Networks

Available visible wireless networks are listed in the GNOME NetworkManager applet menu under Wireless Networks. The signal strength of each network is also shown in the menu. Encrypted wireless networks are marked with a shield icon.

Procedure 5.3. Connecting to a Wireless Network

To connect to a wireless network, left-click the applet icon and choose en entry from the list of available wireless networks.
If the network is encrypted, a dialog opens. Choose the type of Wireless Security the network uses and enter the appropriate credentials.
To connect to a network that does not broadcast its service set identifier (ESSID) and therefore cannot be detected automatically, left-click the NetworkManager icon and choose Connect to Other Wireless Network.
In the dialog that opens, enter the ESSID and set encryption parameters if necessary.
To disable wireless networking, right-click the applet icon and uncheck Enable Wireless. This can be very useful if you are on a plane or in any other environment where wireless networking is not allowed.

A wireless network that has been chosen explicitly will remain connected as long as possible. If a network cable is plugged in during that time, any connections that have been set to Connect Automatically will be connected, while the wireless connection remains up.

Configuring Your Wireless Card as an Access Point

If your wireless card supports access point mode, you can use NetworkManager for configuration.

	Availability of Options
Depending on your system set-up, you may not be allowed to configure connections. In a secured environment, some options might be locked or require `root` permission. Ask your system administrator for details.

Click the NetworkManager applet and select Create New Wireless Network.

Add the network name and set the encryption in the Wireless Security dialog.

Unprotected Wireless Networks Are a Security Risk

	Unprotected Wireless Networks Are a Security Risk
If you set Wireless Security to `None`, everybody can connect to your network, reuse your connectivity and intercept your network connection. To restrict access to your access point and to secure your connection, use encryption. You can choose between various WEP and WPA–based encryptions. If you are not sure which technology is best for you, read Section “Authentication” (Chapter 32, Wireless LAN, ↑Reference).

If you set Wireless Security to None, everybody can connect to your network, reuse your connectivity and intercept your network connection. To restrict access to your access point and to secure your connection, use encryption. You can choose between various WEP and WPA–based encryptions. If you are not sure which technology is best for you, read Section “Authentication” (Chapter 32, Wireless LAN, ↑Reference).