F.A.Q.
How can I tell if my laptop already has a wireless network interface card (NIC)?
I. If you are using Win XP Pro, click on Start, All Programs, right-click on My Computer and choose Properties. Click on the Hardware tab then click on Device Manager. Expand the list for Network Adapters by clicking on the + sign. You should see a listing for a wireless card there if your laptop already has one installed. For example, the message displayed will be something like “Intel ® Wireless WiFI Link 4965AGN”.II. If you are using Win 2000 Pro, right-click on My Computer located on your Desktop and choose Properties. Click on the Hardware tab then click on Device Manager. Expand the list for Network Adapters by clicking on the + sign. You should see a listing for a wireless card there if your laptop already has one installed.
III. If you are using Win 98, right-click on My Computer located on your Desktop and choose Properties. Click on the Device Manager tab and expand the list for Network Adapters by clicking on the + sign. You should see a listing for a wireless card there if your laptop already has one installed.
What operating systems does the WPA/WPA2 authentication support?
WPA authentication can be configured on the following Operating Systems:
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Mac OS 10.4 (Tiger)
- Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
What operating systems does the VPN Client support?
There are two clients available. One works with Win 98/2000/XP and the other will work with MAC OS 10.1.5 and up.
Automatic Session Timeouts
Please note that there are no automatic session timeouts while using the WPA authentication to access the University of Ottawa's wireless network.
Click here for one-time WPA configuration instructions
There are two automatic timeouts set for the VPN. Your session will be disconnected if:
- there has been no network activity* during the last 30 minutes OR
- you have been actively connected for 300 minutes (5 hours = max. per session)
If you get disconnected and wish to continue working using the VPN, simply log back on using the VPN Client.
*Typing out an email message does not constitute network activity. Sending or receiving email creates activity on the network.
Where can I buy a wireless NIC for my laptop or notebook?
You may purchase NIC cards from the Campus Computer Store located at the Bookstore in the University-Centre. You will need to know if your laptop has a PCMCIA slot, a Card Bus slot or an available USB slot before going to the Campus Computer Store.
A Card Bus slot is typically a connection point that is internal to a machine. These would in most cases be allocated to computers that are not laptops but rather desktop or standalone tower cases that use internal card slots in order to enhance system capabilities. NIC
A PCMCIA 2 or 3 slot is typically a laptop type of connection point. These PCMCIA slots are identified by an externally mounted slot that is part of your laptop. These slots depending on their PCMCIA type of 2 or 3 will vary in size but typically do not exceed roughly a half inch high by 2 – 2 ½ inches wide.
A USB slot is an external connection point and is typically identified by a small slot or multiples thereof and measuring approximately ¼ inch by ½ inch into which a female jack type receptacle fits. These connection points are an integral part of the computer and traditionally devices connected to these access points will get identified by your computer as “new hardware” being recognized. The installation of drivers which accompany the USB wireless device is required in order to make the device visible to the network. These drivers should come as part of the packaging of the USB device or alternately available through the manufacturers web site.
How do I install my wireless NIC?
Please refer to the Wireless Card page.
Where can I get support if I have trouble connecting to the wireless network?
Please refer to Trouble-shooting Tips on the Wireless Card page. If you are still having problems:
Students can get technical support at the Help Desk located in Montpetit Hall, room 140. This service is offered by appointment only. See the Support page for further details.
Employees are asked to fill out the on-line request form at http://www.ccs.uottawa.ca/cybersos/
Can I access Locutus through the Wireless network?
No. At the moment, the Novell servers on campus use a protocol that is not compatible with the VPN Client or perspective WPA authentication methods.
