Troubleshooting
The first step in identifying the problem with your wireless connection is in determining at what level the problem is occurring. Problems can be caused a faulty installation of the wireless client adapter, absence of the appropriate protocols, improper configuration of the wireless client information, and problems associated with the Gatorlink authentication. By stepping down the following list you may be able to identify what is causing your problem. The information below is orientated towards a Windows based installation using a Cisco Aironet wireless adapter but much of the information is applicable to all installations.
Many of the problems encountered may be resolved by consulting with the UF Computing Help Desk. If you are directed to contact them they can be reached via email at helpdesk@ufl.edu, by phone at 392-HELP, or you can visit their consulting lab inHub 132for assistance.
Are you able
to reach the WIPA
authentication web page?
If you are then your wireless connection may be working. If you
are able to reach this page but you are unable to login then the
problem is most likely with your Gatorlink account. Contact the
UF Computing Help Desk
for assistance with your account.
Are you unable
to reach the WIPA
authentication web page?
If you have opened your web browser but you do not see the main
WIPA
screen then try refreshing the browser by holding down the Shift
key and pressing the 'Reload' button in the browser. This should
force a complete reload of the web browser and if everything else
is operating correctly should bring up the WIPA
authentication web page. You can also try putting the addresshttp://connect.circa.ufl.edu/into your web browser. If
this still does not work then your problem may lie at a lower level.
Are you able
to associate with a wireless Access Point?
If you open the client configuration utility on your computer
you should be able to tell whether or not you are able to 'see'
a wireless Access Point.
This of course requires that you be in an area that has wireless
coverage. At the bottom of the utility window it will either tell
you that you are not associated or it will tell you that your are
associated and it will list the name of the Access Point your are
attached to. If you are associated to an Access Point then your
wireless card is most likely operating correctly.
Do you have
the wireless adapter inserted in your computer?
The obvious way to check this is to look and make sure you have
inserted your wireless adapter into your computer. If you try to
open up the client configuration utility and the adapter is not
inserted it will give you an error message indicating that the adapter
is not present.
Do you have
incorrect information in your wireless client configuration?
You can examine the current configuration of your wireless client
by opening the client configuration utility and selecting properties
from the menus at the top of the window. This area allows you to
configure settings such as the Service Set Identifier (SSID), power
output, and if WEP is to be used or not.
You should not have any entries for SSID. The campus configuration
broadcasts the SSID value which the client should detect and use
automatically. If you have a specific SSID entered it may prevent
you from attaching to the campus system. In some cases users may
have an SSID entered here if they were using their wireless connection
somewhere else (home, office, another campus, etc.) It is also possible
that some client adapters may require and SSID (which they may also
call a Network Identifier or some similar term). If for some reason
you need to have this set the campus system is using an SSID of
ufw. The Cisco client allows the entry of multiple SSID entries
so you would then enter the SSIDs of the other systems you intend
to access as well. Other brands of clients may organize these settings
by profiles.
The setting for WEP security should be turned off. If you have WEP enabled you will not be able to be able to associate with the campus system as they are not configured to use WEP encryption.
Is your wireless
adapter turned on?
Open your client configuration utility and make sure your wireless
adapter is turned on. If your adapter is turned off the bottom of
the client window will indicate this condition. If it is off, select
the setting from the main menu that says 'Turn Radio On'.
Is your wireless
adapter 'Wi-Fi' certified?
To be compatible with the systems we are using on campus your
wireless card will need to 'Wi-Fi' compatible. Compatible hardware
will usually be branded with the 'Wi-Fi' logo. To see a list of
current approved hardware you can go to the WECA
website and look at the certified
product listing. If your wireless adapter is not on this list
then you will need to get one that is.
Do you have
the TCP/IP protocol installed and configured correctly?
For instructions with Windows go to the CIRCA's UF Software CD - Wireless Connectivity Help page and click on your version of windows on the left-hand menu.
You should have the TCP/IP protocol installed, associated with your
wireless adapter, and configured to obtain the IP address automatically.
Instructions for doing this are basically the same as those listed
on the CIRCA pages for using the WIPA
system. The only difference is that you will be configuring it with
your wireless adapter rather than with a standard ethernet adapter.
If you are still unable to resolve your problems you should try
to contact the UF Computing
Help Desk for assistance.
