Connecting a Mac OS/X Laptop to the Wireless Network

• Instructions on using the "wired-authenticated" network in Statistics MSC for Mac OS/X

The Statistics wireless network is part of the UWNet wireless service provided by DoIT. The wireless network in our area is identified with the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of UWNet-Medical_Sci_Ctr, or UWNet-Service_Mem_Inst if you are in 133 or 140. Most Macs have built-in "Airport" wireless networking. Activate the Airport by selecting "Turn Airport On" from the wireless network pull-down menu (curved triangle shaped icon on the main menu bar). Usually the network detection will be automatic. However, it may be necessary to manually set or change the SSID to UWNet-Medical_Sci_Ctr (or UWNet-Service_Mem_Inst) when using your notebook in the Statistics area. If the network does not start as expected, check that the SSID is correct (use "Join Other Network" -> "Show Networks").

Testing the Wireless Connection

To test the wireless connection, open a browser window (Firefox is the preferred browser, or use Safari). You should get a default web page with the title Welcome to UWNet with a left side-bar message Log in for Network Access. If you do not get this page, go back to the previous step and make sure your wireless hardware and software are fully installed, and that the wireless connection is activated and associated with the appropriate UWNet network.

Authenticating to the UWNet Wireless Network

To use the full network from a wireless connected laptop, you must log in to the network and be authenticated as a valid user. You can initially authenticate by entering your NetID and Password on the left side of the Welcome to UWNet screen. Once you get a Login Successful message, you will have access to the network. The preferred method for authentication is to install and use the WiscVPN client. This authentication method provides greater security for communications. You can find the download link for the WiscVPN client by scrolling down the Welcome to UWNet page. For additional details about the UWNet wireless setup and services, see the Wireless UWNet Info Page.

-- MikeRedmond - 06 Feb 2009