How do I set up my laptop to use the UMD Wireless network

How do I set up my laptop to use the UMD Wireless network?

Follow these links for Linux or MacOS X systems. Peter Teuben has a Linux FAQ available as well.

This faq assumes that you have knowledge about your particular card and can change the settings of your wireless card. If you have problems getting your wireless card to work, e-mail staff@cs.umd.edu.

Quick facts about the Wireless network:

You can access the wireless network from much of campus. Click here for a map of coverage areas.
Your connection is NOT encrypted. Passwords as well as other sensitive information are sent in clear text, where anyone can access them from the air. You should download the CS VPN software to make your connection secure.
You will not be able to access any department network drives except mulder without the VPN.
Connection speeds may vary, depending on signal strength as well as wireless usage in your particular location.

Changes as of August 1, 2003

As of August 1, 2003, OIT has changed the authentication procedure for wireless access. You no longer need to register your wireless MAC address. Instead, you authenticate with your University Directory ID and password. See OIT's Wireless authentication page for more information, including a tool that allows faculty to request guest wireless access for visitors.

Proper configuration

1. Plug your card into your PCMCIA slot. Once windows has detected your card, you should see an icon in your system tray displaying your signal strength. Right click this icon, and then select Configuration Profile and Add/Edit Profile.

2. When the Add/Edit Configuration window pops up, click Add.

For the profile name, you may type anything. We recommend umd, which we will use throughout this faq.

Network type should be set to Access Point, NOT Ad Hoc.

Click Next.

3. The Network Name or SSID must be set to "umd".

Click Next.

4. In the network security page, make sure the Data Security checkbox is not checked, and click Next.

Note: That's correct, data security is not enabled on the campus wireless network. Remember, you should use the VPN software to provide encryption for your wireless data.

5. You may set power management options to your preference.

6. Select "Renew IP Address when selecting this profile" if you access other wireless networks besides umd. This way, you will get an IP address when you switch between the two. Once complete, click Finish. On the next screen, select umd and then click OK.

To make sure you have successfully set up the card, you need a command prompt. Start one by clicking the Start menu -> Run, and then type cmd when prompted for the program to run. You should get a command window like this one:

7. Type ipconfig /all in the command prompt and then hit enter.

You should see something along the following (wireless card settings highlighted):

If you continue to have problems, e-mail staff@cs.umd.edu

September 10, 2002
staff@cs.umd.edu