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Northwest Missouri State University

  • myNorthwest

Wireless

Using Ethernet and Wireless


Using Ethernet and Wireless Northwest now provides wireless network access points within campus facilities such as Owens Library.

Switching between Northwest’s wireless and Ethernet networks is simple and usually automatic when using a Windows XP university-provided notebook computer, which has both Ethernet and wireless components already installed for your convenience. Notebook computers currently supporting wireless connectivity are the Gateway M275 tablet (Faculty) and the Gateway M305e (Suites and Apartments).

The university-provided notebook computer must have Windows XP SP-2 installed to be able to use the campus wireless network. Before installing Windows XP SP-2, be sure to backup all your important files because if the installation is problematic, you may need to bring your notebook into the Notebook Services Center for a complete software reload. To install Windows XP SP-2, please see the instructions located at the end of this document.

  1. Check that the wireless card is active, and that the Ethernet cable is not connected.

  2. Start (or re-start) your computer in an area where wireless networking is available.

  3. Click on Control Panel.

  4. Click on Network Connections.

  5. Right-click on Wireless Network Connection.
    • A drop-down menu will appear.

  6. Left-click on Enable.

  7. You should be automatically connected to the wireless network.
    • If asked what wireless connection you wish to use, select the appropriately named wireless connection. For example, if you are in Owens Library, you would want to use NW Private Owens Wireless.

      Other wireless networks may be available, but are not valid for the Northwest campus. Wireless access points are not allowed to be connected to the campus network other than those maintained and configured by the Information Systems Department.

  8. When done using the wireless connection, disable the connection by rightclicking on the Wireless Network Connection within Network Connections in Control Panel.

  9. Left-click on Disable.

    • You can shut down your computer or switch to an Ethernet connection.

Switch to Ethernet after Using Wireless

To switch to Ethernet after using wireless, follow these easy steps:

  1. Disable the wireless connection as directed in the instructions in the previous section of this document.
  2. Connect the Ethernet cable to the computer and the Ethernet port.
    • Once again, check to make sure the wireless connection is disabled in the Control Panel.
    • The computer should automatically start using an Ethernet connection.

Installing Windows XP SP-2 on the Northwest Network


You will need Windows XP SP-2 to use the wireless network successfully. You can download Windows XP SP-2 from the Northwest network for free if you are faculty, staff or a student. Windows XP SP-2 is not the Windows XP operating
system but simply an update to the system. Consequently, you must already have Windows XP Professional on your notebook computer to perform this update.

The Notebook Services Center will re-image the universityprovided notebook computer for you with Windows XP SP-2. But be sure to backup all your important personal files before bringing the notebook computer into the Notebook Services Center. All personal files and personal changes will be lost during the software re-imaging process.

To download and install Windows XP SP-2 to be able to use Northwest’s wireless network, follow these steps:

  1. Connect to the Northwest network on your notebook using Ethernet and make sure you are using your power cable (not battery).
  2. Right-click on My Network Places, which is located as an icon on the Desktop.
    • A drop-down menu will appear.
  3. Left-click on Search for Computers…
  4. Type in CATBERT in the textbox beneath "Which computer are you looking for?"
  5. Click Search.
  6. Double-click on Catbert.
  7. Double-click on Install.
  8. Double-click on the folder entitled XP Patches.
    • Copy the Windows XP SP-2 executable file to your notebook computer’s Desktop.
    • Check to make sure the Windows XP SP-2 executable has been successfully copied to your desktop, before closing the Install folder and Catbert.
  9. Double-click on the Windows XP executable file located on your Desktop.
    • Follow the Wizard instructions.
    • Downloading and installing the Windows XP SP-2 may take a while, so make sure you allocate at least an hour to do so.
  10. Restart your computer.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding Northwest’s wireless network, contact the Client Computing-Information Systems Help Desk at 660-562-1634.

 

Using Wireless with Intel Wireless Card

 

If you have a personal computer and want to connect it to the Northwest’s secure wireless network, you must configure your computer to work successfully with the network.  If not, there is a non-secure network available for use. 

The non-secure network is only available in the following public areas:  Owens Library, the Student Union, and the Station. 

If you do not configure your computer and join the domain, you will not have access to the secure wireless network with one exception.  If you have a personal computer with an Intel wireless card you can connect to the secure wireless network without configuring your personal computer.

For Instructions on connecting to the secure wireless network using an Intel wireless card, click here.