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Connecting to the Public Wireless Networks

Wireless setup instruction for Windows

Before You Begin

To use this document, you must have the following:

  • You have an enabled 802.11b or g wireless card (Built-in, PCMCIA card or USB adapter). If you are not sure, refer to your laptop user manual, your wireless card or adapter manual.
  • Windows 98, 2000 or XP operating system
  • Access to a wireless coverage area on the Public Network.
  • You do not have any static IP settings on your wireless interface including IPSec settings.
  • If you are using wireless interface dedicated software , disable the existing connection profile and create a new one using FPL as your SSID.
  • If you have a personal firewall (Symantec, Zone Alarm, BlackIce and such), make sure it is not blocking the wireless network.
  • If you use proxy servers for school or work, make sure to remove these settings. If you have the Automatically Detect Settings option checked, make sure it is NOT checked.
  • If you are using Dial-Up at home, make sure you select Never Dial a Connection before connecting to the wireless network. When you go back to your dial up connection, change the setting back to Always Dial My Default Connection .
  • If you have a secured wireless network at home or work, make a note of your security settings and then disable them. When you connect back at home or work, enable them again.

For Windows XP

As soon as you enter the FPL coverage area you should see a message on the right hand side of the taskbar, either showing that wireless networks are available or your computer is already connected to a wireless network.

If you do not see a Wireless Network icon on the taskbar, then right-click on ‘My Network Places’; go to Properties and make sure that the Wireless Connection is not disabled.

If you have never connected to the FPL network before:

  1. Double-click on the Wireless Network icon; you should now see the Wireless Communication Network Status box. In the available networks list, you should see ‘FPL’.
  2. Your computer should be connected to the FPL network automatically. If it is not, choose FPL and click connect.
  3. Launch Internet Explorer.

For Windows 98/2000

  • You must first install the configuration utility software that came with your wireless network card. This should be on a CD included with the card. If you don’t have the CD, you should be able to download the utility from the website of the card’s manufacturer.
  • After installing the software, insert the wireless network card in the PCMCIA slot.
  • Run the utility software for the wireless card and install the drivers for the wireless card.
  • After the card is installed, run the configuration utility.
  • FPL is an open public network and does not require any security settings
  • If the utility software puts an icon on the taskbar without opening a separate window, then double-click on that icon.
  • Locate the networks available list (Often referred to as site survey), choose FPL and click connect.

Switch to the FPL Network from Dial-up or Ethernet

Switching between the FPL network and other networks is usually automatic

  1. Check that the wireless card is installed in the slot, and no Ethernet cable is connected.
  2. Start (or re-start) your computer in an area where FPL networking is available.
  3. If you haven't changed the network settings since configuring, you should now have a working wireless connection to the Internet. If you have adjusted those settings, then perform the steps described in the Windows 2000 or Windows XP configuration instructions to configure your card to attach to the FPL network.

Switch to Dial-up or Ethernet from the FPL Network

  1. Connect a cable to your Ethernet adapter or modem.
  2. Restart your computer. Once the computer starts up, it should automatically start using an Ethernet connection, or allow you to run dial-up networking.

Wireless setup instructions for MAC OS X

Before You Begin

To use this document, you must have the following:

  • An 802.11b or g compatible wireless network card installed in your computer.
  • Any version of Macintosh OS X 10.0 or higher installed on your computer.
  • If you use AirPort card, make sure you use version 1.2 or higher.
  • The installation disk for your wireless network card.
  • Access to a wireless coverage area on the Public Network.

Install a wireless network adapter.

  1. Install your wireless card into a PCI or PCMCIA (mini-PC) card slot, or plug a USB wireless adapter into a USB port on your machine.

    • Some newer Macintosh machines have built-in wireless antennas, but still require a PCMCIA card.
    • Some newer Macintosh machines have a built-in AirPort or AirPort Extreme wireless card.
    • AirPort cards work with 802.11b wireless networks, and Extreme AirPorts cards are compatible with both 802.11g and 802.11b wireless networks.

    Install the AirPort Setup Assistant or software for a third-party card.

    AirPort Cards . Tasks 2 through 5 apply to Macintosh systems using an AirPort or AirPort Extreme card. You can automatically configure your AirPort-enabled system by using the AirPort Setup Assistant , and your connection by using the AirPort application.

    Third-Party Cards. If you are using non-AirPort card, AirPort includes some third-party drivers (for instance, Lucent WaveLAN and Agere Orinoco) that may support your wireless card. Please check the manufacturer's Web site or look on the installation CD-ROM for instructions.

  2. Check to see if the AirPort configuration utility is already installed. (Open the Applications folder on your hard drive, then the Utilities folder. If AirPort Setup Assistant appears in the list of files, you already have the software you need and can proceed to run the setup assistant.)

  3. If you do not have the software, see the AirPort download page on Apple's Web site and obtain the version appropriate for your operating system.

    • If your third-party card comes with its own installation program, insert that CD-ROM. Double-click the card setup utility on the installation CD-ROM or disk.

  4. Double-click on the AirPort installer icon to decompress the installation program.

  5. Follow the instructions that appear onscreen during setup. (Refer to your card's documentation if you need help.)

  6. Restart your computer when installation is complete.

    7. Run the AirPort Setup Assistant

  7. If the AirPort Setup Assistant did not automatically open when you restarted, open it.

    • Double-click the the Applications folder on your hard drive, then the Utilities folder. Then, double-click the AirPort Setup Assistant .

  8. Click Create Network.

  9. Place a check in the Set up your computer to join an existing AirPort network checkbox, then click Continue.

  10. Wait for the network scan to be completed. If you are in a wireless coverage area, this program should detect a network named FPL. If not, click the Available AirPort Networks drop-down menu and select Scan Again.

  11. Click Continue twice, then click Done.

    12. Note: If you found FPL and already use DHCP, you are connected and should be able to browse to FPL. You will not need to continue to the next step.

    Configure AirPort Preferences.

  12. Open the System Preferencespanel.

    • Click System Preferences on the Dock.
    • Or, select the Apple menu, then select System Preferences .

  13. Click the Network icon.

  14. If you connect to other networks, click the Location drop-down menu and click New Location . Type in a meaningful name and press OK.

    • This menu replaces the Location Manager that appears in earlier versions of the Macintosh OS.
    • While this location is selected, all changes you make to your AirPort, AppleTalk, and TCP/IP preference panels while will be saved as separate configurations.
    • To switch between locations in the future, click the Location drop-down menu and select the desired location.

  15. If AirPort is not the selected card, click the Show drop-down menu and select AirPort (or another wireless adapter you are using).

    • If you are unable to edit the fields, click the padlock in the lower left corner. Enter a name and password for an account with administrative privileges. (This is usually the same account you created when you installed OS X, or another user account to which you have granted administrator privileges.)

  16. Click the AirPort tab when it displays.

  17. Select Join a specific network.

    • In some OS X versions, this option will not appear.

  18. In the Network drop-down menu, select (or type in) FPL as the network name.

    • If you do not see the FPL network, you may have one of the following problems:

    -Your AirPort card may not be installed correctly.
    - You may not be near a wireless access point on the Public Network.

  19. Place a check in the Show AirPort status in menu bar checkbox if you want to display your AirPort status in the OS X menu bar.

  20. Click Apply Now.

    21. Configure TCP/IP properties.

  21. Click the TCP/IP tab in the Network panel in System Preferences.

  22. Click the Configure drop-down menu and select Using DHCP.

    • Make sure you leave the DHCP Client ID field blank.

  23. Type FPL into the Search Domains text box.

  24. To prevent accidental changes to your settings, ensure that the padlock in the lower left is in the closed (locked) position. You may need to click on the lock icon.

  25. When you are finished changing your network settings, click Apply.

  26. Save the configuration when prompted.

Switching Between Wireless & Wired Networks

To switch to the FPL network after using other network connections (e.g., dial-up or Ethernet):

  1. Go to the AirPort Menu (top, right-hand corner of the screen). Select Turn AirPort on.
  2. Start (or re-start) your computer in an area where FPL networking is available.
  3. If you haven't changed the network settings since configuring your computer, you should now have a working wireless connection to the Internet. If you have adjusted those settings, then perform the steps described above.

To switch from FPL to dial-up:

  1. Click the Finder icon on the Dock.
  2. Open the Macintosh HD. Open the Applications folder.
  3. Double-click on Internet Connect .
  4. Enter your password, then click Connect .
  5. Once a dial-up connection is made, the status box will report Connection Established. You have now established a dial-up connection.

To switch from FPL to Ethernet:

  1. Plug the Ethernet cable into your computer.
  2. Go to the AirPort Menu. Make sure Turn AirPort off is selected.

Document last modified: Sunday, 29-Jan-2006 09:43:48 PST