TAMULink-WPA for Windows XP

Introduction

TAMULink-WPA is a new wireless network that allows for greater flexibility and security when accessing the campus wireless network. WPA utilizes the 802.1x wireless technology. This document will detail how to configure Windows XP to connect to this network.

TAMULink-WPA has limited availability on campus right now, but the network is continually being upgraded to provide this service. Please check this page for a current list of supported buildings.

Modifying an Existing Connection

If you configured your Windows XP machine to connect to Tamulink-WPA before March 10, 2008, please see this page for instructions on how to modify your existing connection.

Connecting

  1. From the Start menu, choose Control Panel and select “Network and Internet Connections” (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Select Control Panel from the Start Menu

Figure 1: Select Network and Internet Connections

  1. In the Network and Internet Connections control panel, choose “Network Connections” (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Choose Network and Internet Connections

Figure 2: Choose Network Connections

  1. On the left side of the Network Connections control panel, choose “Create New Connection” (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Click Create New Connection

Figure 3: Click Create New Connection

  1. Click the link to view wireless networks in range to open the Wireless Network Connections control panel (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Click to View Wireless Networks in Range

Figure 4: Click to View Wireless Networks in Range

  1. Click on “Change Advanced Settings” (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Click Change Advanced Settings

Figure 5: Click Change Advanced Settings

  1. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties box, choose the “Wireless Networks” tab and then click the “Add” button near the bottom (Figure 6).

Figure 6: Wireless Network Connection Properties

Figure 6: Wireless Network Connection Properties

  1. In the Wireless Network Properties window, choose the first tab labeled “Association.”
  2. In the "Network name (SSID)" field, enter “tamulink-wpa”.
  3. For "Network Authentication", choose “WPA” from the pull-down menu.
  4. For "Data encryption", choose “AES” from the pull-down menu.
  5. Make sure there is not a checkmark next to “This is a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network; wireless access points are not used” (Figure 7).

Figure 7: Wireless Network Properties: Association

Figure 7: Wireless Network Properties: Association

  1. Choose the Authentication tab.
  2. For EAP type, choose “Protected EAP(PEAP)” from the pull-down menu.
  3. Make sure that neither checkbox below is checked.
  4. Click on the Properties box (Figure 8).

Figure 8: Wireless Network Properties: Authentication

Figure 8: Wireless Network Properties: Authentication

  1. In the Protected EAP Properties box, check the box next to “validate server certificate.”
  2. Make sure to put a checkmark next to “Enable Fast Reconnect.”
  3. Click the Configure button (Figure 9).

Figure 9: Protected EAP Properties

  1. In the EAP MSCHAPv2 Properties box, remove the checkmark next to “Automatically use my Windows logon name and password (and domain if any)” (Figure 10).

Figure 10: EAP MSCHAPv2 Properties

Figure 10: EAP MSCHAPv2 Properties

  1. Click OK to close the four windows you have open and to automatically save your settings.
  2. Your computer should now attempt to automatically connect to the tamulink-wpa network if it is in range. If your settings are correct and the network is available, you should shortly be prompted to enter your credentials (Figure 11).
  3. For the User name and Password, use your NetID and Neo password. Leave the Logon domain blank.
    Note:  Be sure to enter your NetID in all lowercase characters

Figure 11: Use NetID and Password to Login

Figure 11: Use NetID and Password to Login

  1. Once you enter your login information and press 'OK,' you should get a message asking you to validate a server certificate. Press 'OK' again.
 
Fig. 12: Validating Server Certificate
 
At this point, you should have a valid IP Address and be able to surf the internet normally as you would with a wired Ethernet connection from on-campus. You do not need to sign out of this network when shutting down your computer or putting it to sleep. When you turn on your computer or wake it from sleep, it will attempt to automatically connect to this network. You may be prompted for your NetID and password to reconnect, but you will not need to alter any settings.

For further assistance, please contact Help Desk Central any time by calling (979)845-8300 or e-mailing helpdesk@tamu.edu.

For further assistance, please contact Help Desk Central any time by calling (979)845-8300 or e-mailing helpdesk@tamu.edu.