Wireless Access

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Keep in mind that wireless network access is slower than the hard-wired Ethernet network jack. Since it is a shared resource the connection speed becomes progressively slower as more people use an access point.  Out of respect for fellow students, please refrain from downloading large files (such as mp3’s, movie trailers, etc) while using the wireless network.

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The instructions below will help you connect to the internet using the Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows 98/Me operating systems.

Utilizing the wireless network capabilities at RWC
… to connect to the internet using Windows XP:

1) Ensure that your wireless network card is physically installed and that the driver and/or any software have been installed prior to connecting.

2) Power on your laptop in a building where a wireless connection is present

3) Click on Start, select Connect To, then click on Wireless Network Connection.

4) Once you are connected you will see a pop-up alert in the bottom right hand corner like this:

5) If you are not able to access the internet after performing these steps, right click on the wireless network connection icon in the bottom right hand corner of the screen and click on View Available Wireless Networks. 

6) Ensure that the network rwc-guest is available, check the box for “Allow me to connect to the…” and click on Connect. You should then be able to open up Internet Explorer to access the internet.

7) If you experience difficulties connecting please check the following:

a. Open Internet Explorer, click Tools, and Internet Options.

b. Select the Connections tab and click on the Setup button to enter the New Connection Wizard.

c. In the wizard main page click Next.

d. Select “Connect to the internet” and click Next.

e. Select “Set up my connection manually” and click Next.

f.  Select “Connect using a broadband connection that is always on” and click Next.

g. Click Finish and attempt to connect to the internet again.

8) If these settings are correct please check the following settings:

a. Click on Start, select Connect To, then click on Show All Connections

b. Right-click on the your wireless adapter and left-click on Properties

c. Select the Wireless Networks tab and ensure that your settings are consistent with this image:

…to connect to the internet using Windows 2000:

1) Windows 2000 requires very little setup to access a wireless network.  Simply ensure that your laptop’s wireless network card is physically installed and that the driver and/or any software have been installed and are working properly prior to connecting.

2) Power on your laptop in a building where a wireless connection is available and the laptop should automatically connect to any available network without any additional setup.

3) If you experience difficulties connecting please check the following:

a. Click Start, Settings, and click on Network and Dial-up Connections

b. Right-click on the Local Area Connection icon that is associated with your wireless adapter and left-click on properties.     

         

c. Click Configure on the next screen that pops up in order to verify that the Wireless Network settings are as follows (there should be no need to enter a Network Name [SSID]):

 

4) If these settings are all correct, ensure that the TCP/IP settings are correct.

a. Click Start, Settings, and click on Network and Dial-up Connections

b. Right-click on the Local Area Connection icon that is associated with your wireless adapter and left-click on properties.

c. Highlight the TCP/IP protocol for your wireless network adapter by single clicking on it and then click the Properties button.  Ensure that your computer is set to Obtain an IP address automatically and to Obtain DNS server address automatically:

…to connect to the internet using Windows 98/Me:

1) Windows 98/Me requires very little setup to access a wireless network. Simply ensure that your laptop’s wireless network card is physically installed and that the driver and/or any software have been installed and are working properly prior to connecting.

2) Power on your laptop in a building where a wireless connection is available and the laptop should automatically connect to any available network without any additional setup.

3) If you experience difficulties connecting please check the following:

a. Click Start, Settings, and then click on Control Panel

b. Double click on the Network icon and in the screen that appears highlight your wireless network adapter by single clicking on it and click the Properties button.

c. In the screen that follows select the Wireless tab and click on Open view the current settings of your wireless adapter

d. The screen should be set up as follows (there should be no need to enter a Network Name [SSID]):

4) If these settings are correct, try enabling the DNS. 

a. Click Start, Settings, and then click on Control Panel

b. Double click on the Network icon.

c. Highlight the TCP/IP protocol for your wireless network adapter by single clicking on it and then click the Properties button.

d. Click on the DNS Configuration tab and select the option to Enable DNS. Type in your username for the RWC network and roberts.edu as the domain.  Click OK.

e. When prompted, please restart the computer and attempt to access the internet again.

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