Ask A Question - WiFi Configuration

Here is the latest Ask A Question (AAQ) that I answered:

Hello and thank you for using the “Ask A Question” service.

Your question is: “How does one configure a wireless modum [sic. modem] to a mobile Notebook”? This is not a question that can easily be answered. For this question, we will assume that you are using a Windows-based computer (since they comprise 92-97% of the world market) with a built-in WiFi card (available in most computers under 3 years old).

There are many types of computer configurations that employ various hardware and software schemes, and just as many wireless network hardware and software schemes. Another consideration is whether you are referring to a WiFi connection that employs the IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n standards of accessing a wireless local area network (LAN) or if you mean a wireless modem connection (those connections that are made through conventional cellular phone networks). The latter of the two mentioned methods is becoming more common as cellular providers now have specialized cards or phones that allow you to access cellular modem networks. It must be kept in mind that the following description is merely one way (and arguably the easiest) of establishing a standard WiFi connection (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n). We will not consider Bluetooth connectivity, since it is impractical/uncommon for Web browsing and e-mail access over a LAN.

If you are connecting by means of the WiFi access method to an LAN, we can address an easy method via Windows XP. That method would be to: (a) ensure that the wireless card is on; (b) look for an icon in your Task Bar’s tool tray that looks like a computer with three arcs radiating from it (it will appear with a red “x” if no connection is established (the “x” will disappear once a connection is established) – right click on this icon and select “View Available Wireless Networks”; (c) in the “Wireless Network Connection” window [that should have opened], select the “Refresh network list” option in the left-hand column; (d) select the wireless network that you want to connect to from the “Choose a wireless network” pane of the window, and click the “Connect” button. You should be prompted to login to the network (if encryption is available) or be given a warning that the network is unsecured (from a network where encryption is not available). Once the connection is established, the network that you selected to connect to should be displayed in the “Choose a wireless network” pane with its associated signal strength. You should now be able to peruse the Web or retrieve e-mail as desired. Select the “Disconnect” button (in the “Wireless Network Connection” window) when you want to terminate the connection.

If you cannot find the icon in the tool tray, you can view available WiFi connections by going to: Start (Task Bar; remembering to turn the WiFi card on beforehand) > All Programs > Accessories > Communications > Network Connections [opens the “Network Connections” window]. Double click on the “Wireless Network Connection” icon that will open the “Wireless Network Connection” window. Proceed from step (c) in the previous paragraph to establish the connection.

This was one simple method of connecting using Windows’s built-in tools. Some laptops will provide additional proprietary vendor tools for establishing WiFi connections. If you cannot establish a connection, consult with your owner’s manual or use the vendor’s customer service support line. If you are using a cellular-based network to establish your connection, consult with the owner’s manual or the cellular provider’s support services.

There might be many reasons why you might have difficulty accessing a wireless network. Some of those reasons include: (a) password protection (WEP or WPA encryption will prevent you from having unfettered access to a network); (b) weak signal or signal interference; (c) incompatible standards; (d) unregistered Media Access Control (MAC) address – some networks require that you register you computer’s unique identity with them prior to connecting, even if you have a username and password set; and/or (e) network firewalls might also restrict access. These are some of the cases that you might encounter.

If you are connecting to an encrypted network, you will have to consult with the network’s administrators to establish a connection (i.e., register MAC address, and receive a username and password set). The previous method only discusses unencrypted networks.

Macs (Apple computers) connect in a similar fashion though it varies from Mac OS X.1-4. Consult the manuals that are provided with your Mac to establish a WiFi connection. The manuals are generally very easy to navigate and understand.

Whether you are using a Mac, Windows, or Linux-based machine, consult with the owner’s manuals or the operating system’s built-in help pages. Additional service should be provided by your computer’s retailer or the vendor. For further resources, consider consulting your local library’s online catalogue and use terms such as: computer, pc, windows, apple, macintosh, linux, mac(s); and pair them with terms such as: wifi, “network connection(s)”, “wireless networks”, etc. You will locate many basic and advanced resources that deal with the subject of establishing wireless connections from your laptop computer. You can find the Vera Bracken Library’s online catalogue at: http://eureka.uleth.ca/search~S2.

In closing, neither the library nor Computer Services provides support for personal equipment. We will not configure or modify your personal equipment for use on the campus’s WiFi networks.

Thank you again for using the “Ask A Question” service. If you need more help, please use the service again or see the Information Desk in the Medicine Hat College Library (phone #: (403) 529-3867).