UW-Waukesha Wireless Network

Map of approximate coverage area

We now have a campus wide wireless network. The wireless network is intended for personal equipment (i.e. laptop, PDA, etc.) and should cover most of the campus, with an emphasis on student areas (Classrooms, Hub, Library, Lounge, Quad, etc.). Below are instructions for connecting Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) to the wireless network.

Many laptops will automatically connect to the Internet but if you are using an older version of Windows or some other device (i.e. PocketPC, Macintosh, etc.) you may need to manually enter the Service Set Identifier (SSID: UWWaukesha) in the network properties.

If you have any problems connecting to the wireless network, please bring you laptop/device to the IT staff in the Computer Center and they will try to help you to connect to the wireless network.

Connecting to the Wireless Network with Windows XP Service Pack 2

To search for and connect to the UW-Waukesha wireless network:

1. Right-click the wireless network connection icon in your System Tray (by the clock), and then click View Available Wireless Networks.
2. The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears. If no networks appear, click Refresh Network List in the upper-left corner.
3. Choose a network by clicking on its name, and then click Connect.
4. Windows XP will briefly change the network's connection status to Acquiring Network Address, and then to Connected. You can now close the Wireless Network Connection dialog box.
5. You should then see a new icon appear in your System Tray (by the clock) showing you are connected to the wireless network.

Additional Wireless Information

The wireless network is an open and unsecured connection and is not connected to the campus network. If you are not using Windows XP Service Pack 2 it is highly recommended that you install this along with any critical updates for added security benefits. You should also make sure that you keep your anti-virus software current on your laptop. The Wireless Network Connection dialog box lists all the nearby wireless networks that have strong enough signals for a connection. For each network, it shows the SSID, encryption, connection status, and signal strength.

Like any radio signal, the signal strength of Wi-Fi networks varies depending on how close you are to the wireless access point (WAP), what type of computer you are using and the obstacles that are between you and the WAP. Like the bars on your mobile phone, the Wireless Network Connection dialog box shows more bars when the signal is stronger. You can connect even if you only see one bar, but you might lose your network connection if you move a few feet or if you turn your computer in a different direction. If you do lose your connection, Windows XP will notify you and attempt to automatically reconnect.