Wireless Access Guide

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Wireless Overview
This guide addresses some of the most common problems with using the wireless network card in the library. To install the card please ask at the circulation desk for the step-by-step installation handout. The library currently loans two wireless card models: Orinoco and Avaya. Note that if you have used one model you cannot use the other kind without uninstalling the software for the model that is on your laptop.

If your wireless card was installed correctly you should be able to get a good signal on all floors of the library, as well as the foyer and patio in front of the library.

There are many variables that may influence the correct functioning of the wireless card:

• Computer Model: The older the laptop the more problems you may encounter with the correct functioning. Most reported problems have been with older model laptops.
• Operating System: Windows 98 and higher is required.
• Wrong Card: The library carries two wireless card models that are not cross compatible. If you have installed the software for one model you must use the card from the same company. Furthermore you cannot add a second installation for another model as this will result in neither model working. You will need to uninstall one of the programs first.
• Previous Use of Your Laptop:
  • Was wired or wireless access used (see below),
  • Was that previous use on or off campus (if it was off campus: were modifications made to your network access).

Most Common Issues

I've used the wireless card before and now it doesn't work
In the meantime you may have used wired access for your laptop. When switching back to wireless your laptop usually detects the new access point automatically. However, there are instances when you need to do this manually:

I used the wireless card in Clark and it doesn't work in the library
You will need to change the Access Point for your wireless card.

• Right click on the wireless access icon on the lower right and select Configuration Profile. Select Library if it is listed, otherwise select Add/Edit Profile and add LIBRARY as a new Access Point.
• The library may already be listed as an access point but it is still not connecting. In this case choose by operating system:
  

  For Windows XP	For Windows 98
  Go to Start --> Control Panel --> Network and Internet Connections. Select Network Connections (not necessary if you are using the 'Classic View'). You should see an icon with description for the wireless card. Choose to Enable this connection.	Go to Start --> Run and type "winipcfg" and click OK. In the IP Configuration window select Orinoco PC Card (or Avaya) from the drop down menu. Then click on Release and then OK

I can't get the wireless card to work
There are many reasons why a given card may not work:

• The specific wireless card is defective. You should see a green light on your card. If not, try again with a different card. Insert the replacement wireless card before you reboot your laptop. When you exchange the card please let us know you had trouble so that we can test it.
• The wrong wireless card is used. You may be using the wrong card with the software installed on your laptop. Avaya cards will not work with Orinoco software and vice versa. Use the right card for your laptop, or install the right software for the card (in this case you will need to uninstall the current wireless application first).
• The wireless card is not connecting. Remove the card and choose Shut Down from Start (not Restart). With the laptop off insert the wireless card and then start the computer again. If there is still no signal (neither icon on lower right, or a green light on the card), see the option above for Windows XP or Windows 98.
• The installation of the software was not completed correctly. This may be hard to diagnose since many features seem to appear correctly. The only solution is to first remove (uninstall) the previous installation from your hard drive and then reinstall the software again using the handout at the circulation desk. 
  To uninstall the program go to Start --> Control Panel --> Add / Remove Programs and then find the Orinoco (or Avaya) Program --> select Remove.  

For further assistance please contact the Reference Desk (x4440), or the Help Desk at the Technology Service Center in Clark (x4357).