Note: We recommend using a wired Ethernet connection whenever possible. Wireless deployments are supported in SmartPE but are generally slower and less reliable than wired connections. Consider using wireless only when an Ethernet connection is unavailable.

SmartDeploy supports wireless networking in SmartPE, allowing you to deploy devices that do not have an Ethernet port, such as ultrabooks, tablets and un-docked devices. To use a wireless connection in SmartPE, you'll need to:

• Include the SmartDeploy Wireless Platform Pack when creating your deployment media.
• Configure wireless settings if you're deploying to bare-metal devices.

Before you begin

Before creating your deployment media:

1. Download the latest SmartDeploy Wireless Platform Pack.
2. Download the Platform Pack(s) for the hardware models you plan to deploy.
3. Confirm that the SmartDeploy Wireless Platform Pack is selected in the list of Platform Packs when you create your boot media.

Note: It is important to also select all the Platform Packs for all models of computer that you plan to deploy to.

Tip: The Wireless Platform Pack provides Wi-Fi drivers for many common wireless adapters. If your device still doesn't detect a wireless adapter in SmartPE, contact SmartDeploy Support so we can help identify the correct driver.

Console-initiated deployments

When deploying to a computer that already has the SmartDeploy Client installed, SmartDeploy automatically exports the currently connected wireless profile before rebooting into SmartPE.

When SmartPE starts, it imports this wireless profile and reconnects to the same wireless network automatically.

No additional configuration is required.

Note: Automatic wireless profile transfer supports password-based wireless networks (WPA/WPA2/WPA3 Personal). Networks that require certificate-based authentication (802.1X), enterprise authentication, or captive portals are not supported.

USB or WDS deployments

If you're deploying to a:

• Bare-metal computer
• Computer without the SmartDeploy Client
• Device booted from USB media
• Device booted from WDS

You'll need to configure the wireless network in your Answer File (https://smartdeploy.pdq.com/hc/en-us/articles/12982126240923-Create-an-Answer-File) before creating your deployment media.

In the Answer File Wizard:

1. Click Advanced.
2. Select the Wireless tab.

3. Select Configure Wireless Networking

   

4. Enter the following information:
   • Wireless Network Name (SSID):
   • Wireless Security Mode:
   • Password:
5. Proceed through the Answer File Wizard and save it.
6. Rebuild your deployment media. (https://smartdeploy.pdq.com/hc/en-us/articles/12982113132699-What-is-Boot-or-Deployment-Media) and select the wireless enabled answer file during the process.
7. Boot from new boot media on target device.