Skip navigation, view page content (access key = C)

Begin OSU masthead and toolbar

The Ohio State University
www.osu.edu
  1. Help
  2. Campus map
  3. Find people
  4. Webmail

Ohio State University logo Office of Information Technology Technology Support Center (8help)

OSU Wireless-Network: General Troubleshooting



The OSU Wireless-Network requires specific parameters to be changed on your device in order for it to connect to the network. These parameters are necessary to ensure security while connected to the OSU Wireless-network. Connection instructions and a listing of tested and recommended devices are available on the OSU Wireless-Network website.

Required Operating Systems:

  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP with service pack 2
  • Windows 2000 (provided the wireless card's software supports the Security Components listed below)
  • Macintosh 10.3 or above
These operating systems include all of the additional security components necessary to connect to the OSU Wireless-Network.

Required Security Components:

These components provide encryption of the information being sent (WPA & TKIP) and the ability to authenticate to the system with a wireless ID and PIN (EAP-MSCHAPv2).

Common problems encountered when attempting to connect:

  1. The Operating System needs to be updated.
    For Windows XP upgrade to service Pack 2 (Click on Start -> Help and Support -> Click on Windows update and follow instructions or go to Microsoft's update site. For Macintosh Click on the Apple icon in upper left hand corner of the screen, and drag down to Software Update).

    Symptoms: One or more of the security components (WPA, TKIP, or EAP) are not available options to choose from when attempting to configure your wireless connection.

  2. Wireless network driver updates

    If the wireless card doesn’t support WPA, only “Open” and “Shared” will be an option from the Network Authentication drop down menu under the Wireless network properties. If this is the case go to the Device Manager and find the manufacturer of the wireless network card and download the updated drivers through Windows update or from the manufacturer’s website and then configure the device by following the instructions within the OSU Wireless-Network: Setup for Windows XP knowledge base article.

  3. Wireless network utilities or setup programs
    To make configuration easy, many companies provide a program or utility that guides or automates much of the setup process. This is good if you only intend to connect to their wireless access points or public sites with little security.

    If there is a utility running the wireless network View Available Wireless Networks will look like the following:

    View Available wireless networks screen when the wireless network is run a utility

    To have Windows run your wireless network (Recommended) follow the instructions below:

    1.Go to Start>Run.
    2. Type “services.msc”
    3. Press OK.
    4. Within the Services menu Right click on “Wireless Zero Configuration” and then Select Start.
    5. Right click the wireless connection icon on the bottom right of your task bar that looks like Wireless network icon and select “View Available Wireless Networks”
    6. On the left hand side of the “View Available Wireless Networks” window select “Change Advanced Settings”
    7. Select the Wireless Networks tab and check the box next to “Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings”.
    8. Configure the connection by following the instructions within the OSU Wireless-Network: Setup for Windows XP knowledge base article.

    NOTICE: If the computer is using the Dell wireless utility follow the instruction below in addition to these instructions:

    1. Go to Start>All Programs>Dell Wireless>Dell Wireless utility
    2. Once the Utility is open uncheck the box next to “Let this tool manage your wireless settings”
    3. The computer will now use the Windows Wireless Utility to run its wireless networks.

    Symptoms: There can be a variety of error messages or just continuous "attempting to connect/authenticate" type of messages that don't go away.

  4. Incorrect configuration
    Any parameter not set correctly in the configuration can cause the connection to fail. Double check that every step of the configuration process was completed.

    Symptoms: A wide variety of errors can occur. If the encryption protocols are not correct the "unable to connect" error is common. Failure to uncheck the "Automatically use my Windows logon name and password" parameter results in no prompt being given for userid and PIN, thus session can not authenticate. Multiple requests to connect may be issued with none of them connecting.

  5. Older equipment
    Equipment three years old or older may not have the electronics to support the newer systems needs. The drivers for them also may no longer be available or supported.

    Symptoms: Inability to find or install updates to OS or drivers.

  6. Interference
    Anything that uses radio waves to communicate is subject to interference from other devices using the same 2.4 GHz band, such as microwave ovens, cordless phones, and security cameras to name a few. Also physical things such as metal walls, groups of people, Mylar balloons, concrete walls or insulated walls using metal backing and metal furniture can deflect or absorb the signal and cause problems.

    Symptoms: Most of the time these will result in loss of signal strength or quality.

  7. Correct Date and Time
    If the device you are configuring is not set to the correct Date, Time, and Time zone the device will not connect to a wireless network with full connectivity. To change the Date and Time Settings go to Start>Control Panel>Date &Time

    Symptom: Unable to authenticate.

A complete list of help items on wireless assistance is available at the Technology Support Center Help Desk. These articles go into more depth on specific problems and how to solve them.



Current Record: 2739

Create Date: 09-23-2005
Last Reviewed: 04-25-2008
Please give us your feedback!
Was this document helpful?  




Home

 

return to top