Going Wireless with AirPennNet: Getting Started

What you need to connect to AirPennNet

To start using AirPennNet, you need a laptop computer (or other handheld or portable computing device) with an 802.11b/g wireless card (most new computing devices come equipped with a built-in wireless card). In addition, your computing device’s operating system (OS) must be capable of running 802.1X protocol.

You will also need a PennKey and associated password (i.e. your credentials) to log on to AirPennNet.

Lastly, if your computing device meets these requirements and you have your PennKey credentials, then you must also configure your device to connect to AirPennNet before you can log on.

Where to find AirPennNet

AirPennNet covers a large majority of campus. There is 100% coverage in the residential buildings. However, not all academic and administrative buildings are fully covered. To learn more about where AirPennNet coverage can be found on campus, visit the Coverage Map in the "Getting Help" portion of the left menu.

Logging On

Once your computing device is configured and you are within an AirPennNet coverage area, the 802.1x supplicant will prompt you for your PennKey credentials, and then you can log on. Once you're authenticated, you can conduct your regular computing activities including surfing the web and checking e-mail.

Service Basics

Before logging on the first time, you may want to skim thru the FAQ pages for quick answers to general service questions. Or if you are having trouble with AirPennNet, you might want to try suggested solutions listed on the Tips for Using AirPennNet page.