Wireless Access to the USC Network - Windows Vista
What You'll Need before Connecting
To gain wireless access to the USC Network, you'll need the following:
- An Enterasys Wireless PCMCIA card with its current drivers installed in your computer.
- Access to the USC Network to register for a wireless account.
- Microsoft Windows Vista.
The Customer Support Center (CSC) can only assist users in configuring the RoamAbout or Enterasys wireless cards. This documentation is written for use with these specific cards.
The CSC does not support installation of hardware, including wireless cards. However, installation typically includes the steps below.
If you are using a wireless card with a specialized adapter for desktops, you should refer to the documentation accompanying your wireless card to complete installation. PCMCIA wireless cards can be installed in a laptop by inserting the card into an available PCMCIA slot.
Configuring Windows Vista for Wireless Connections
To configure Windows Vista for a wireless connection, perform the following steps:
- Verify that the wireless network card is present and turned on.
Note: Most laptops have a switch that allows you to easily turn your wireless card off and on. This switch may be on the side or front of the laptop; sometimes a particular key combination acts as the switch (for example, Fn + F2 on many Dell laptops). Ensure that your wireless card is turned on before proceeding. - Click the Start menu and select Connect To.
- Select USC Wireless from the list of wireless connections. Click Connect.
- You will receive a warning that USC Wireless is an unsecured network. Choose the option to Connect Anyway.
- In order to connect automatically to USC Wireless in the future, click Save this network.
- If this is your first time connecting to USC Wireless, you will be asked to set the network location. Choose Public Location.
Registering Your MAC Address/Physical Address
Registration of your MAC, or physical address, is not currently required. However, registration is highly recommended so that network notifications can be quickly directed to you. To register, open a web browser application (i.e., Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari). Go to the Network Registration Page. Enter your USC username and password and click Submit. A success message will appear to notify you that your MAC address/Physical address has been registered.
WARNING: Your data and personal information are at risk unless you use VPN Software. ITS strongly recommends that you use VPN when using your wireless connection.
To get help with wireless access to the USC Network, contact the ITS Customer Support Center at 213-740-5555 or consult@usc.edu.Last updated: Monday, December 10, 2007, 09:38AM PST