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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.

Using Wireless with a Personally-owned (non-university provided) Computer

Northwest provides two wireless networks for campus users: the Guest [Non-Secure] and the Secure.

The Guest [Non-Secure] wireless network allows a user to connect to the internet with a personally-owned computer, but does not allow for printing to a networked printer or accessing network storage, is especially useful to campus visitors who want to use their computer to get onto the Internet, but who do not have a Northwest username and password.

Note:  The Guest [Non-Secure] wireless network is available in such public areas as Owens Library, the Student Uniion and the Station.

In contrast to the Guest [Non-Secure] wireless, the Secure wireless network will allow you to print to a networked printer and access your network storage folder if you have a valid Northwest username and password.

If you do have a Northwest username and password and want to connect to the Secure wireless network with your personally-owned computer, you must have a Windows XP operating system (OS), and your wireless card must be controlled by Windows and not a third party.

For Instructions on connecting to the Secure wireless network with a personally-owned (non-univesity provided) computer if you are a student, faculty or staff member with a valid Northwest username and password, click here.

Note:  Windows VISTA may not be successful in connecting to the Northwest’s Secure wireless network with these instructions.  See Using the Wireless Network with VISTA below.

 

Using the Wireless Network with VISTA

If you have a Northwest username and password and want to connect to the Secure wireless network with your personally-owned computer that has a Windows VISTA operating system (OS), make sure that your wireless card is controlled by Windows and not a third party.

For Instructions on connecting to Northwest's Secure Wireless network with VISTA if you are a student, faculty or staff member with a valid Northwest username and password, click here.