Wireless Computing in the Library

Connect your wireless-enabled laptop or PDA to the University computer network without plugging into a wall outlet! The Library has access to the University's wireless networks from nearly all areas on the first and second floors. To connect to the wireless networks you need to set up an ITC Wireless Account and configure your device.

Choosing the Wireless Network

Before setting up your device you must choose which wireless network to use:

"Cavalier" is the University's secure (encrypted) wireless network for laptops. Using an encrypted network is recommended because it protects your data transactions. However, the setup for this type of wireless connection requires several steps.

"Wahoo" is the unencrypted network and can be used by PDAs and laptops unable to meet the requirements for Cavalier. Setup is fairly easy but data transmitted over this network is not secure and could be subject to detection by those with ill intent.

Go to the Cavalier or Wahoo directions below for setup instructions.

ITC Wireless Account Setup - Cavalier

To set up your laptop to access the Cavalier secure wireless network, you must 1) register at ITC's Wireless Account Management page to create your wireless account, and 2) properly configure your computer.

1. Creating a wireless account: locate your hardware address

   To register your wireless laptop you must first locate its hardware or MAC address. It is a 12-digit hexadecimal number often found on the back of a wireless card or handheld device. To find the hardware address for a laptop with an internal wireless card go to ITC's Finding Your Network Address page and follow the instructions. Note your hardware address and keep it handy because you will need it for Step 2b below.

2. Creating a wireless account: register your wireless device

   Go to ITC's Wireless Account Management page and follow the instructions there to:

   1. Log in to the Account Management Page
   2. Click Add a Wireless Device
      Your wireless account should become active about 10 minutes after registering.
3. Configuring your laptop

   If you would like to use encrypted access to Cavalier, go to ITC's Accessing U.Va.'s Wireless Network page for the system requirements and instructions to configure your laptop to access the wireless network.

ITC Wireless Account Setup - Wahoo

1. Creating a wireless account: locate your hardware address

   To register your wireless laptop you must first locate its hardware or MAC address. The hardware address is the 12-digit hexadecimal number often found on the back of a wireless card or handheld device. Note your hardware address and keep it handy because you will need it for Step 2.2 below.

2. Creating your wireless account: register your wireless device

   Go to ITC's Wireless Account Management page and follow the instructions there to:

   1. Log in to the Account Management Page
   2. Click Add a Wireless Device
      Your wireless account should become active about 10 minutes after registering.
3. Access the wireless network

You will not "see" Wahoo as an available wireless network until you set it up. To do so on a Windows XP Laptop:

1. Click on Start
2. Click on Connect To
3. Click on Wireless Network Connection
4. Click on Properties
5. Click on the Wireless Networks tab
6. Click on the Add... button
7. Under Network Name (SSID): type wahoo
8. Uncheck the Data encryption (WEP enabled)
9. Click on OK
10. Click on OK again
11. Click on Close

Acessing Wahoo on your PDA:

Different models of PDAs have different steps on the device to access a wireless network. See your manual or manufacturer's Web site for specific instructions for your device.

 

Wireless Troubleshooting

Switching Wireless Networks

Problems can occur when you attempt to switch wireless networks. For example, you may have a wireless network at home and also want to use the University network from the Library. See the ITC document on "Switching Between Wireless Networks" for additional information.

Configuring Browsers

You may need to change settings in your browser to use the network instead of a dial-up connection. For example, in Internet Explorer:

1. Click on Tools
2. Click on Internet Options
3. Click on the Connections tab
4. Under Dial-up settings, choose the Dial whenever a network connection is not present option

Additional Information

If you have additional questions about wireless computing at the University, see ITC's Wireless Computing page at http://www.itc.virginia.edu/wireless. This site includes a Frequently Asked Questions section. Or, contact ITC at wlan-consult@virginia.edu.