Wifi XP

Alternative: Connecting with Windows 7 or Vista

This document explains how to connect a Windows notebook to the Wellesley College network using a wireless Ethernet card. Before setting up your wireless connection, please read the Guidelines for Use of the Wireless Network at Wellesley College.

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 network.

Configuring a Windows Notebook for Wireless Connection

1. From the Start menu, choose Control Panel. Click Network and Internet Connections.

2. In the Pick a Control Panel list click Network Connections.

3. In the Network Connections window right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon and choose Properties.

4. Click the General tab.

5. Find your wireless card on the list of installed network components and make sure it is labeled with a green network adapter icon.

6. Click the Wireless Networks tab.

7. In the "Preferred networks:" section, click on the Add... button.

8. In the Network name (SSID) field, type: Wellesley

9. Make sure that the Network Authentication field is set to Open and that the Data Encryption field is set to Disabled. Then click OK.

10. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), then click Properties. In the TCP/IP Properties window:

* Click on the General tab. Make sure Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain a DNS server address automatically is selected.

11. Click OK.

12. Follow steps 1 through 11 again, but type nostrings as the SSID instead of Wellesley.

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. See if you are connected to the network by launching Firstclass or a web browser.

3. You should be able to use a web browser, e-mail or any other application that requires a network connection.

 

Switching Between a Wireless Connection and a Wired Connection

It may take a few seconds 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 Icon there is no connection available.

* To enable either connection, Start > Control Panel. Click Network and Internet Connections. In the Pick a Control Panel list click Network Connections. Right click on the connection you want to enable (Wireless Network or Local Area (wired) and choose Enable.

 

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 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.

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