Wireless Networking
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Using the Wireless Network
Requirements
You Need:
- A notebook computer or other internet enabled device
- An 802.11b 11 Mbps compliant network adapter
Cisco 350, Proxim Orinoco Silver/Gold, Apple Airport and the Dell TrueMobile series cards are available through the Campus Computer Stores and supported by Support Line. Many other 802.11b or WiFi certified cards should operate properly, e.g. DLink, Intel and Linksys.
- A 128 bit encryption capable web browser
If your browser is not 128 bit capable, visit the support website to obtain an update or obtain a copy of the NSIT Connectivity Package:
Netscape: http://home.netscape.com/computing/download/index.html
Internet Explorer: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
Mozilla: http://www.mozilla.org/download.html
Safari: http://www.apple.com/safari/ - CNetID and CNet password
http://cnet.uchicago.edu/
Using the System
Depending on your operating system and the vendor of your wireless card, the exact procedures for setting the following information will vary.
- Set the network name for your wireless card (sometimes called SSID) to "uchicago", all lower case.
- Make sure the wireless interface is set to be configured via DHCP.
- Boot up in range of the wireless network.
- Open web browser and go to any web site.(2)
- You will be automatically redirected to a login page.
- Log in with your CNet password.
- Once you have authenticated, you may access the network through any TCP/IP application (web browser, ssh client, mail client, etc).
- The connection should stay active until your laptop goes out of range or is shut down, rebooted, or put to sleep.
(2) Some older browsers with proxy autoconf enabled will give error messages. Please ignore messages, log in with CNet password, then close and restart browser.
Last updated: 9/4/08