Wireless Zero Configuration
Encyclopedia
Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC), also known as Wireless Auto Configuration, or WLAN AutoConfig is a wireless connection management utility
included with Microsoft Windows
XP and later operating systems as a service
that dynamically selects a wireless network
to connect to based on a user's preferences and various default settings. This can be used instead of, or in the absence of, a wireless network utility from the manufacturer of a computer's wireless networking device. The drivers for the wireless adapter query the NDIS
Object IDs and pass the available network names (SSIDs
) to the service. The service then lists them in the user interface on the Wireless Networks tab in the connection's Properties or in the Wireless Network Connection dialog box accessible from the notification area. A checked build version of the WZC service can be used by developers to obtain additional diagnostic and tracing information logged by the service.
. In Windows Vista
and Windows 7, the service that provides equivalent functionality is called "WLAN AutoConfig". It is based on the Native Wi-Fi architecture introduced in Windows Vista.
Initially, there was no Wireless LAN API in Windows XP for developers to create wireless client programs and manage profiles and connections. After the release of Windows Vista, Microsoft released KB918977 which includes a Wireless LAN API for Windows XP SP2. It was later integrated into Windows XP Service Pack 3.
Wireless connection management utility
A wireless connection management utility is a piece of software that manages the activities and features of a wireless network connection. It may control the process of selecting an available access point, authenticating and associating to it and setting up other parameters of the wireless...
included with Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
XP and later operating systems as a service
Windows Service
On Microsoft Windows operating systems, a Windows service is a long-running executable that performs specific functions and which is designed not to require user intervention. Windows services can be configured to start when the operating system is booted and run in the background as long as...
that dynamically selects a wireless network
Wireless network
Wireless network refers to any type of computer network that is not connected by cables of any kind. It is a method by which homes, telecommunications networks and enterprise installations avoid the costly process of introducing cables into a building, or as a connection between various equipment...
to connect to based on a user's preferences and various default settings. This can be used instead of, or in the absence of, a wireless network utility from the manufacturer of a computer's wireless networking device. The drivers for the wireless adapter query the NDIS
Network Driver Interface Specification
The Network Driver Interface Specification is an application programming interface for network interface cards . It was jointly developed by Microsoft and 3Com Corporation, and is mostly used in Microsoft Windows, but the open-source NDISwrapper and Project Evil driver wrapper projects allow...
Object IDs and pass the available network names (SSIDs
Service set identifier
A service set is all the devices associated with a local or enterprise IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network .-Service set identifier :...
) to the service. The service then lists them in the user interface on the Wireless Networks tab in the connection's Properties or in the Wireless Network Connection dialog box accessible from the notification area. A checked build version of the WZC service can be used by developers to obtain additional diagnostic and tracing information logged by the service.
Overview
Wireless Zero Configuration was first introduced with Windows XPWindows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
. In Windows Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
and Windows 7, the service that provides equivalent functionality is called "WLAN AutoConfig". It is based on the Native Wi-Fi architecture introduced in Windows Vista.
Initially, there was no Wireless LAN API in Windows XP for developers to create wireless client programs and manage profiles and connections. After the release of Windows Vista, Microsoft released KB918977 which includes a Wireless LAN API for Windows XP SP2. It was later integrated into Windows XP Service Pack 3.
See also
- List of Microsoft Windows components
- Wireless connection management utilityWireless connection management utilityA wireless connection management utility is a piece of software that manages the activities and features of a wireless network connection. It may control the process of selecting an available access point, authenticating and associating to it and setting up other parameters of the wireless...
- Wireless LAN client comparisonWireless LAN client comparisonEvery wireless LAN network consists of an access point, such as a wireless router, and one or more wireless adapters. Each adapter is controlled by software known as a wireless LAN client, or wireless connection management utility....