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SFSU Wireless with Mac OS X

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This document details how to use Mac OS X to logon to the SFSU wireless network. If you need help with other operating systems call 415-338-1420.

For assistance, please contact the Division of Information Technology's Help Desk.

Requirements

• Macintosh computer that supports an Apple AirPort or AirPort Extreme card.
• Apple AirPort or Apple AirPort Extreme wireless card installed. (Other 802.11b wireless cards should work but have not been tested).
• An @sfsu.edu e-mail Account.

Selecting a Wireless Network

1. Click on the AirPort icon from the Apple menu bar and select SFSU from the drop down menu.
   (If the AirPort icon is not located on the menu bar, see the Problems? section).
   

2. Open a Web browser such as Netscape, Internet Explorer or Safari and access any Web page on the Internet. You will be redirected to a logon page. This web page will prompt for your @sfsu.edu username and a password.
   
   

3. Enter your @sfsu.edu e-mail account name and password in the fields provided.
   Your account name will be the first part of your e-mail address (everything before the @ symbol).
   Your password will be the same as your e-mail password.
4. After entering this information, click the Logon User button.

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Logging Off

When you are finished with your wireless session be sure to logoff. If you do not logoff your account will stay logged in for two hours and you will not be able to logon from another machine.

To logoff, click on the Logoff button on the Vernier Logoff Page Pop-Up window.
If you do not see the logoff Pop-Up window, see the Problems? section.

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Problems?

• If the AirPort status does not display on the Apple menu bar.

  1. Select System Preferences from the Apple menu .
     
  2. Click on the Network icon.
     
  3. In the Show pull-down menu select AirPort.
     (If AirPort is not shown in the pull-down menu there is no AirPort and/or AirPort Extreme card installed in your Macintosh and you will need to purchase one and have it installed in your Macintosh).
  4. Select the AirPort tab and check the box to Show AirPort status in menu bar.
     
  5. Click the Apply Now button then close the window.

• After my Mac goes into sleep mode I lose my wireless connection
  Macintosh computers may disconnect from the SFSU wireless network when entering sleep mode. To resolve this issue, simply log back into the wireless network. To prevent this situation from occurring in the future you may want to increase the time specified in the Energy Saver inactive sleep mode setting or change the sleep mode setting to never.
• I use a wireless card other than Apple's AirPort or AirPort Extreme
  Non-Apple branded 802.11b wireless cards will not use Apple's AirPort software
but should work on the SFSU wireless network. If you are using a non-Apple branded 802.11b wireless adapter, install the software that came with the wireless card and follow the manufacturer's instructions for configuration and usage.
• I do not see the Vernier Logoff Page

Your web browser may be set to block Pop-Up Windows. Reconfigure your web browser not to block Pop-Up Windows. If you are using Safari, uncheck Block Pop-Up Windows from the Safari drop down menu before you logon to the SFSU wireless network.

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Last Modified: 9 Sept. 2003
doit@sfsu.edu