Connecting to the network

Your XO connects to and works with with other XOs. Because of this network connection, you  can use your XO to explore distant places while you stay at home.

To get a wireless network connection, follow these steps:

  1. Press fn 1 or the Neighborhood button at the top of the keyboard to go to the Neighborhood View.
    neighborhoodkey
  2. Roll the pointer over one of the network access circles until you recognize the name of the wireless network.
    A circle with a lock icon requires a wireless key (a password.)
  3. To connect, click a network access circle, and enter the wireless key if prompted. You might need to ask your teacher or parent for the wireless key. 
    800px_Screenshot_Wifi_Key_Popup
    While the XO is connecting to the network, the access point blinks. A white outline indicates that your XO is connected. To disconnect from the network, hover the pointer over the access point and click Disconnect on the menu. Once your XO is connected, you can use the Browse Activity to access the Internet.

If you cannot see an access point with a name that you recognize, the wireless network might be hidden. For more information or if you have difficulties getting a network connection, refer to to http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Wifi_Troubleshooting_Guide or http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Wifi_Connectivity. 

More information about your XO's connection:

  • Your wireless access point has a network name, also called an SSID, that displays in the Neighborhood View. The XO cannot recognize network names that contain spaces so make sure your network name does not contain a space.
  • When you connect the XO to a wireless network, the XO becomes a network point; which means that other XO laptops within about 100 meters can connect to the Internet through your XO laptop.
  • Similarly, if a nearby XO is connected to the Internet, you can connect to that XO laptop and the Internet through the other XO when using the mesh network.
  • With the Give 1 Get 1 (G1G1) release, if you are connected to the Internet, your XO laptop cannot be on the mesh network, and if your XO is on a mesh network, it cannot simultaneously connect wirelessly to the Internet.
  • If the XO cannot find an available Internet network point after five minutes of searching, it defaults to Mesh Network 1, which enables your XO laptop to connect to other nearby XO laptops.
  • Please be patient; it can take your XO up to five minutes to find a good connection.