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/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. From the Start menu, choose Connect To.
   
2. In the Connect to network window, select nostrings. Click Connect.
   
3. A new window may warn you that "nostrings is an unsecured network." Select Connect Anyway.
4. A window will announce that you have "Successfully connected to nostrings"; make sure Save this network and Start this connection automatically are both checked. Click Close.
   .

 

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.
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 a few minutes for your computer to pick up a wireless signal after you have switched from a wired connection.

• After your computer has been configured for wireless and wired connections Windows should detect which is available - either the cable is connected or there is a signal to the wireless card or both.
  
  However, 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.
  
• You should not need to reconfigure or disable either connection; however, if you decide to disable the wired or wireless connection, look for the network connection icon in the task bar near the time. Right-click on the icon and choose Disable. If the network connection icon has a red X there is no connection available.
• To enable/disable either connection, select the Start menu > Control Panel. Then click Network and Sharing Center > Manage network connections. Right-click on the wireless or ethernet connection, and then either select disable or enable.
  

Disabling/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, you can try one of these methods:

1. Most laptops have a physical switch that turn your wireless off or on. If you are not sure of its location, try consulting your manufacturer's manual.
2. Some laptops may also have a keyboard switch. For example, on Wellesley-owned Lenovo laptops, pressing FN + F2 on your keyboard will disable and enable your wireless. Usually the key has a wireless symbol, but you may have to consult your manufacturer's manual.
3. You can also disable and enable wireless from your Vista operating system. First, select the Start menu > Control Panel. Then click Network and Sharing Center > Manage wireless connections. Right-click on the wireless connection, and then either select disable or enable.
   

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