This document explains how to connect a Windows notebook to the Wellesley College network using a wireless Ethernet card. Wireless networking cards are to be used in addition to wired networking--they are not a complete substitute. Before setting up your wireless connection, please read the Guidelines for Use of the Wireless Network at Wellesley College.

Table of Contents

• What you need
• Configuring a Windows notebook for wireless connection
• Using a wireless connection
• Switching between a wireless connection and a wired connection
• Disabling/re-enabling your wireless connection
• Network Printing

• 802.11b or 802.11g wireless network interface card
  Wellesley's wireless hubs are 802.11g, and are compatible with both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless cards. 802.11g wireless cards are faster when used with 802.11g wireless hubs. Most notebooks now have built-in wireless networking. If yours does not, and you need to install a wireless Ethernet card, read the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and be sure to follow the correct steps for your operating system.

1. Exit all programs and close all windows. Have your Windows CD on hand because you may be asked to insert it so that a file can be copied. If this occurs, be sure to select the CD ROM drive so that the file can be located.
2. From the Start menu, choose Settings > Control Panel > System.
3. In the System Properties window click the Hardware tab.
4. Click the Device Manager button.
5. Click the plus sign (+) next to Network adapters.
6. Your wireless card should be listed under Network adapters. (If there is a "?," "!," or "x" next to the name of the card or if your card is not listed, Windows is having trouble recognizing it. Check that it is installed correctly.)
7. Click Cancel to close the System Properties window.
8. From the Start menu choose Settings > Control Panel > Network and Dial-up Connections > Local Area Connection.
9. In the Local Area Connection Status window click Properties.
10. In the Connect using field select your wireless card then click Properties.
    • Click the Advanced tab.
    • In the Properties list select SSID.
    • In the Value field, type: nostrings
    • Click OK
11. Look for Client for Microsoft Networks in the installed network components list. If it is not listed, add it as follows:
    • Click the Install button.
    • Select Client, then click Add.
    • Click OK.
    • If asked to restart your computer click Yes.
12. Look for the TCP/IP icon that points to your wireless card in the installed network components list. Select it then click Properties. In the TCP/IP Properties window:
    • Click the IP Address tab. Make sure Obtain an IP address automatically is selected.
13. Restart your computer.

Using a Wireless Connection

1. Position your notebook within range of a wireless access point. You should be able to connect at least 100 feet away from a wireless access point, but if you are having trouble there may be interference from people or devices in the area. Try moving to a different spot. When verifying your connection for the first time, move as close to the wireless access point as possible to be sure that you are within range.
2. If you are using a removable wireless card (not built in), insert it before you turn on your computer.
3. See if you are connected to the network by launching Firstclass or a web browser. To access NTM, go to the Start menu, choose Run and type NTM. Click OK.
4. You should be able to use a web browser, e-mail or any other application that requires a network connection.

NOTE: If you cannot connect to the network, it may be that you need to authenticate your computer using Cisco Clean Access. For an explanation of why you need to authenticate your computer and directions to do so, go to the Cisco Clean Access page. You will need to register your wired Ethernet connection and your wireless connection separately.

Switching Between a Wireless Connection and a Wired Connection

It may take 5 minutes or so for your computer to pick up a wireless signal after you have switched from a wired connection.

Windows 2000:

1. If your wireless card is not built in, find its icon in the system tray near the time: . Click on it and choose Stop Cisco Systems Wireless Adapter (or similar). When you see a message that says "You may safely remove the device" click OK and remove your wireless card.
2. If your wired Ethernet card is not built-in, insert it.
3. Plug one end of your Ethernet cable into either the port for a built-in card or the port on your removable wired Ethernet card. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into a data jack on the wall.
   NOTE: Data jacks look very similar to phone jacks. A data jack should have a symbol above it with two arrows. Do not plug your Ethernet cable into a phone jack.
4. Restart your computer.
5. From the Start menu, choose Settings > Control Panel. Double-click on the Network icon and make sure your Ethernet card is labeled with a green network adapter icon.

Disabling/Re-enabling Your Wireless Connection

If you are following documentation that requires you to disconnect from the network, you will need to both unplug your network cord and disable your wireless connection. To temporarily disable your wireless connection:

Windows 2000:

1. Right-click on My Network Places and choose Properties. The Network Connections window will open.
2. Right-click on your wireless connection and choose Disable.
   
   To re-enable your wireless connection, right-click on your wireless connection in the Network Connections window and choose Enable.

Network Printing

Instructions for sending a print job to a Wellesley network printer is the same whether you are using a wireless or a wired connection. Go to Instructions for Network Printing in Windows 2000.