Basic Adapter Configuration - Windows XP

If you purchased a laptop with a built-in wireless device or accept the default settings of your wireless card upon installation, it should automatically recognize the network when you are in a Wireless PennNet public area. If you use other wireless networks in addition to Wireless PennNet, you may need to add profiles or make slight configuration changes for each network you use.

Wireless Configuration for Windows XP

If your laptop has a built-in 802.11b wireless card, it is likely that it's already configured to discover Penn's wireless networks which means you won't have to make any configuration changes. Below are more detailed instructions on how to configure your wireless device to use Wireless PennNet in public spaces using Windows XP.

1. Install the Driver for Your Wireless PC Card. Windows XP will automatically install the drivers for most wireless cards once it has detected it. If it does not detect the new card, consult the documentation that came with your card.
   Note: If your laptop came with an internal built-in wireless card, the drivers should already be installed.
2. If you have an external pc card, insert it into the PC card slot on your computer.
After the driver has been installed, you will need to make several setting changes.
3. From the Start menu, select Settings -> Control Panel -> Network Connections.
4. Right click on the Wireless Network Connection and choose Properties.
5. Next click the Wireless Networks Tab.
6. Make sure the "Use Windows to Configure my Wireless Network Settings" checkbox is checked.
7. Under the Preferred Networks area click the ADD button.
8. To set up your Wireless PennNet wireless profile, enter wireless-pennnet into the Network Name(SSID) field. You are connecting to a DHCP server, therefore, you will not need to specify an IP address or enable WEP encryption.
9. While in the 'Wireless Network Connection Properties' dialog box, ensure wireless-pennnet is highlighted, then click the Advanced button.
10. Ensure the 'Access point (infrastructure) networks only' radio button is selected.
11. Close all dialog boxes. Your wireless configuration is ready for Wireless PennNet.

Switching between wireless networks

Windows XP allows for easy switching between 2 or more discrete wireless networks. If you allow Windows to configure your wireless settings, your laptop should automatically "discover" wireless networks that are broadcasting in those areas. You may not be authorized to use some campus wireless networks even though your wireless device discovers them. Contact your Local Support Provider (view Faculty or Staff LSP list) or Information Technology Advisor (view Student ITA list) to learn how to obtain access to other wireless networks on campus.