This document explains how to connect a Windows 98 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

NOTE: For best results, we recommend that you disable your wireless connection when using your wired connection, and re-enable it when you are using wireless, as it can conflict with Cisco Clean Access and authenticating your computer. WARNING: Don't forget to disable your wireless if you need to disconnect from the network because of a virus issue or because you are following documentation that requires you to disconnect from the

What You Need

• 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.

Configuring a Windows Notebook for Wireless Connection

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. Double-click System.
3. In the System Properties window, click the Device Manager tab.
4. Click the plus sign (+) next to Network adapters.
5. 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.)
6. Click Cancel to close the System Properties window.
7. Double-click Network in the Control Panel window.
8. In the Network window click the Configuration tab.
   
   
9. If any of the following appears in the list of installed network components, select it then click Remove:
   • Client for NetWare Networks
   • NetBEUI
   • Microsoft Family Logon
   • IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol
10. Find your wireless card on the installed network components list and make sure it is labeled with a green network adapter icon. 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 Add button.
    • Select Client, then click Add. The Select Network Client window opens.
    • In the Manufacturers list choose Microsoft.
    • In the Network Clients list choose Client for Microsoft Networks.
    • Click OK to close the Select Network Client window.
      
      
      
12. In the Configuration tab of the Network window, select Client for Microsoft Networks, then click Properties. In the Client for Microsoft Networks Properties window:
    • Make sure that Log on to Windows NT Domain is not checked.
    • In the Windows NT domain field, type wellesley (all lower-case).
    • Choose Quick logon.
    • Click OK.
13. 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.
    • Click the DNS Configuration tab.
      • Select Enable DNS.
      • In the Host field, type your FirstClass user name (e.g., wwellesl).
      • In the Domain field, type wellesley.edu (all lower-case).
    • Click the WINS Configuration tab. Select Disable WINS Resolution.
    • Click the Bindings tab. Select Client for Microsoft Networks.
    • Click OK.
14. In the Primary Network Logon field, choose Windows Logon.
15. Click OK.
16. 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.

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:

1. Right-click on My Computer and choose Properties.
2. Click on the Device Manager tab.
3. Click on the plus next to Network Adapters.
4. Right-click on your wireless card and choose Properties.
5. Check the box that says Disable in this hardware profile.
6. Click OK, then click OK again.

   To re-enable your wireless connection, uncheck the Disable in this hardware profile box

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