BSS Wireless network

Contact:

HelpDesk

bsshelp@sfsu.edu

(415) 338-6793

Connecting to the wireless access points in the HSS building (Rev. 8-2006)

Author: Barry Nickel, Associate Director IGISc

Map of the BSS Wireless Network (2005)

BSS Wireless Warchalk Diagram

ATTENTION: Wireless networks are inherently insecure regardless of type and encryption! Do NOT engage in any sensitive communication using the wireless connection (banking, stock trading, or the submission of critically private information).

Requirements

• A computer with built-in wireless technology or a wireless card (must be 802.11 "b" or "g").
• Windows 2000/XP or Mac OSX (other operating systems may work but we are not yet explicitly supporting them).
• Many wireless card manufacturers provide their own software for connecting to a wireless network. The images and instructions in this document may be different than what you will see on your computer. Moreover, The connection process will differ slightly depending upon the operating system you have installed on your computer. The instructions provided below are in reference to Microsoft Windows XP.

Access to the BSS Wireless Network

1. When a BSS wireless network is detected, a dialog box may appear in the Windows task bar and report that there are one or more wireless networks available.
   

1. Right-click on the wireless icon located on the Windows taskbar.
2. Select View Available Wireless Networks from the context menu.
   

• If you do NOT see the wireless network icon in the taskbar, you will need to open the network connections from Start > Settings > Network Connections. Right-click on Wireless Network Connection and select View Available Wireless Networks from the context menu.

1. Select BSS-AP1, BSS-AP2, BSS-AP3, or BSS-AP4 from the list of available wireless networks from the Wireless Network Connections dialog. Other access points may be listed, but these are not supported or associated with our wireless service.
   

1. Click the Connect button or double-click on the wireless network. You will be prompted to enter a network key. Enter 00711454 (confirm the network key) and click Connect.
   

1. A Wireless Network Connection status dialog box will appear and inform you of the status of your connection. It may take up to a minute to acquire a network address and verify the network key.
   

1. You should now be connected to the BSS wireless network, launch a web browser and verify your access to the Internet.
2. If you can not connect using this method, proceed with the following steps.

Manually Configure Wireless Network Settings

1. Open network connections from Start > Settings > Network Connections > Right-click Wireless Network Connection and select Properties. Now select the Wireless Networks tab.
   

1. Select the Use Windows to configure my windows wireless network settings check box.
2. Under the Preferred networks section click Add to bring up the Wireless network properties dialog box or select the network (if it is already listed) and click on the Properties button. Enter the following settings:

• Network name (SSID): BSS-AP1, BSS-AP2, BSS-AP3, or BSS-AP4 (All uppercase letters).
• Wireless Network Key > Network authentication: WPA-PSK
• Wireless Network Key > Data Encryption: TKIP
• Network Key > Network key: 00711454
• Network Key > Confirm network key: 00711454
• Uncheck (if checked) "The key is provided for me automatically"
  

1. Select the Connection tab of the Wireless network properties dialog box. Uncheck (if checked) the "Connect when this network is in range" in the Automatic connection section.

1. To connect to the network (if in range), under available networks click View Wireless Networks.
   

1. Select BSS-AP1, BSS-AP2, BSS-AP3, or BSS-AP4 from the list of available wireless networks and click Connect.
   

1. You should now be connected to the College of BSS wireless network. Launch a web browser and start using the Internet.

Quick Access to the BSS Wireless Network

• If your computer is in range of a BSS access point and you have already configured your wireless settings, you may see a dialog box near the taskbar indicating the BSS network is detected. If the dialog box indicates you are already connected to the BSS wireless network, launch a web browser and verify your access to the Internet.