At IU, how do I configure my Windows wireless network card?

Configuring your wireless card is one step in the overall process of using the wireless network at IU. For an overview of the process, see About wireless connections to the Internet at IUB and IUPUI

The process of configuring a wireless network card varies depending on the manufacture, model, and controlling software for the card. For Windows Vista and Windows XP, you can use the software already built in, although you may wish to use other software provided by the system or wireless card manufacturer.

For Mac OS X, you may wish to use the AirPort; see What are AirPort, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Express?

On this page:

• Wireless configuration in Windows Vista
• Wireless configuration in Windows XP

Wireless configuration in Windows Vista

On campus in an area covered by the IU wireless network

1. On the Taskbar, right click the Network and Sharing Center icon and choose Connect to a network.

   Note: When your computer is connected to a network, the icon looks like two computers with a small globe in front of them. If your computer isn't connected to a network, the small globe is replaced by a red X.

2. Click to select IU Wireless, and then click Connect.

Wireless configuration in Windows XP

On campus in an area covered by the IU wireless network

Note: If possible, use the first option below, as it is slightly easier to configure your wireless card when you are in range of the wireless network.

1. In most cases, you will see an icon next to your clock on the Taskbar representing the wireless connection. The icon looks like a computer screen with radio waves emanating from it.
   
   Wireless network icon (disconnected)

   You may see a balloon saying either "Wireless networks within range" or "Not connected. Right click here for more options". Right-click that icon and select View Available Wireless Networks.

   If you do not see the connection icon next to the clock, do the following:

   1. From the Start menu, click either Control Panel or Settings and then Control Panel.
   2. Double-click the Network Connections icon. If instead you see Network and Internet Connections, click the link in the upper left corner of the window labeled Switch to Classic View to see the correct Network Connections icon.
   3. Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon and select View Available Wireless Networks.
   
   
2. The Wireless Network Connection window will open. Under "Choose a wireless network", you should see IU Wireless listed. If not, click Refresh network list in the upper left corner. If IU Wireless appears, click the Connect button. Alternatively, you can double-click the entry, and then click the Connect Anyway button. Either method is valid.

   If you do not see IU Wireless listed, one of the following may apply:

   • Perhaps you are in an area uncovered by a wireless access signal; for more information, see At IU, where can I get a signal for wireless network access?
   • Your adapter may be controlled by a different software package. For example, many computers with the Intel PRO/Wireless adapters have the Intel PROSet software installed, which takes over control of the wireless adapter. In that case, do not follow these directions to configure your wireless connection; instead refer to documentation specific to your software.

Pre-configuring while off campus or in an area uncovered by the IU wireless network

To configure a wireless network card using the Windows XP built-in software:

1. From the Start menu, click either Control Panel, or Settings and then Control Panel.
   
   
2. Double-click the Network Connections icon. If instead you see Network and Internet Connections, click the link in the upper left corner of the window labeled Switch to Classic View to see the correct Network Connections icon.
   
   
3. Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon and select Properties.
   
   
4. In the panel that appears, select the Wireless Networks tab.
   
   
5. Under "Preferred Networks", click Add.
   
   
   1. In the new panel that opens, next to "Network name (SSID):", enter IU Wireless .
   2. Under "Wireless network key" next to Network Authentication:, select Open.
   3. For the Data encryption: setting, select Disabled.
   4. Click the Connection tab. Under "Automatic connection", select Connect when this network is in range.
   5. Click OK.
   
   
6. You will return to the "Wireless Network Connection Properties" panel. Under "Preferred networks:", click the Advanced button.
   
   
7. In the list that appears, select Access point (infrastructure) networks only. Click Close.
   
   
8. You will again return to the "Wireless Network Connection Properties" panel. Under "Preferred networks:", make sure IU Wireless is at the top of the list. If it's not, select it, and then click the Move up button until its position is first.
   
   
9. Click OK.

Now, when you come within range of an IU wireless access point, your computer will already be configured to automatically connect to the wireless network.

Also see:

• In Windows 2000, how do I make a VPN connection to the IU network using PPTP?
• The basics of VPN at IU
• In Windows XP, how do I make a VPN connection to the IU network?
• In Mac OS X, how do I configure my network settings to use my AirPort card?
• What is Wi-Fi?