Welcome to WiUAlbany - WPA is Here!

• Why am I here?
• What is WPA?
• Who can access it?
• How do I set it up?

Why am I here?

This page provides instructions on how to connect to the UAlbany wireless network by configuring your computer for UA_WPA.

What is WPA?

UA_WPA is the University's WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) offering that allows for authenticated, encrypted access into the University's network. WPA requires authentication to connect to the wireless network, but once connected no second authentication is required. WPA provides per-user session encryption, making it a secure wireless network.

Who can access it?

You must be a member of the University Community to use the WiUAlbany service. [1] Authentication requires your NetID and UNIX password, and a computer with an 802.11b/g wireless card that supports WPA. [2]

When connecting to the UAlbany wireless network, you are expected to abide by the University's Responsible Use of Information Technology policy.

How do I set it up?

If you have already configured your computer for WPA, you may be prompted for your NetID and UNIX password when your computer connects to the WPA network.

If you do not have WPA configured, follow the steps below for your Operating System.

• Windows XP SP2
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7
• Mac OS X
• All Other Operating Systems

WPA connection instructions for Windows XP SP2

These steps assume your wireless is controlled by Windows. If you are using a different utility that came with your wireless card, follow the generic instructions instead.

Detailed instructions with screenshots

1. From the Start menu, click either Control Panel, or Settings and then Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Network Connections icon. If instead you see Network and Internet Connections, click the link in the upper left labeled Switch to Classic View to see the correct Network Connections icon.
3. Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon and select Properties.
4. Click the Wireless Networks tab, and then click Add.
5. On the Association tab, enter these settings:
   • In the Network name (SSID): field, enter UA_WPA.
   • From the Network Authentication: drop-down menu, select WPA2.
   • From the Data encryption: drop-down list, select AES.
6. Select the Authentication tab, and then enter these settings:
   • From the EAP type drop-down list, select Protected EAP (PEAP).
   • Verify that Authenticate as guest when user or computer information is unavailable is not selected.
7. Below the drop-down menu, click Properties. In the resulting Protected EAP dialog box, configure the following:
   • Ensure the Validate server certificate box is checked.
   • In the Trusted Root Certification Authorities list, place a check in the box for ALL VeriSign Trust Network instances.
   • Verify that Secured password (EAP-MSCHAP v2) is selected for the authentication method, and then click Configure.
   • Clear the Automatically use my Windows logon name and password checkbox. Click OK.
8. Click OK on all the remaining windows. Your system will attempt to connect to UA_WPA. You should see a notification balloon near the system tray displaying the message:
   Click here to process your logon information for the network UA_WPA
9. Click the message balloon, and then enter your NetID and password in the authentication box. Leave the Domain field BLANK, and then click OK.

WPA connection instructions for Windows Vista

These steps assume your wireless is controlled by Windows. If you are using a different utility that came with your wireless card, follow the generic instructions instead.

Detailed instructions with screenshots

1. From the Start menu, open the Control Panel and select Network and Sharing Center.
2. On the left, click Manage wireless connections, and then click Add.
3. Choose Manually create a network profile. In the dialog box that appears:
   • For Network name: type UA_WPA
   • For Security type:, select WPA2-Enterprise.
   • For Encryption type: select AES.
   • You can elect to choose to Start this connection automatically.
   • Click Next.
4. Click Change connection settings. Then select the Security tab and click Settings.
   • Ensure the Validate server certificate box is checked.
   • In the Trusted Root Certification Authorities list, place a check in the box for ALL VeriSign Trust Network instances.
   • Verify that Secured password (EAP-MSCHAP v2) is selected for the authentication method, and then click Configure.
   • Clear the Automatically use my Windows logon name and password checkbox. Click OK.
5. Click OK on all the remaining windows. Your system will attempt to connect to UA_WPA. You should see a notification balloon near the system tray displaying the message: 
   Additional information is required to connect to UA_WPA
6. Click the message balloon, and then enter your NetID and password in the authentication box. Leave the Domain field BLANK, and then click OK.

WPA connection instructions for Windows 7

These steps assume your wireless is controlled by Windows. If you are using a different utility that came with your wireless card, follow the generic instructions instead.

Detailed instructions with screenshots

1. From the Start menu, open the Control Panel, click on Network and Internet and then select Network and Sharing Center.
2. On the left, click Manage wireless networks, and then click Add.
3. Choose Manually create a network profile. In the dialog box that appears:
   • For Network name: type UA_WPA
   • For Security type:, select WPA2-Enterprise.
   • For Encryption type: select AES.
   • You can elect to choose to Start this connection automatically.
   • Click Next.
4. Click Change connection settings. Then select the Security tab and click Settings.
   • Ensure the Validate server certificate box is checked.
   • In the Trusted Root Certification Authorities list, place a check in the box for ALL VeriSign Trust Network instances.
   • Verify that Secured password (EAP-MSCHAP v2) is selected for the authentication method, and then click Configure.
   • Clear the Automatically use my Windows logon name and password checkbox. Click OK.
5. Click OK on all the remaining windows. Your system will attempt to connect to UA_WPA. You should see a notification balloon near the system tray displaying the message: 
   Additional information is required to connect to UA_WPA
6. Click the message balloon, and then enter your NetID and password in the authentication box. Leave the Domain field BLANK, and then click OK.

WPA connection instructions for Mac OS X

Detailed instructions with screenshots

1. In the upper right of your screen, click Airport > Open Network Preferences
2. In the lower right corner click Advanced, then go to the 802.1x tab
3. On the bottom left of the box click the plus sign (+) and choose to add a User Profile
4. Enter the following details for the configuration:
• At the flashing cursor, name the configuration UA_WPA
• Enter your UAlbany NetID and Password
• From the wireless network dropdown, select UA_WPA
• For Security Type, inf available, select WPA2 Enterprise
• Under Authentication, uncheck all items except for PEAP then click OK and Apply
5. Click Advanced and go to the AirPort tab
6. To add a new network Click plus sign (+)
7. Enter the following details for the configuration:
• In Network Name enter, UA_WPA
• In the Security drop-down menu, select WPA2 Enterprise
  NOTE: Your NetID and username should automatically populate in the User Name and Password fields, if not, select the profile you just created from the 802.1x list.
• Select Remember this Network
• Click Add
8. In the Preferred Networks box, verify that the UA_WPA entry is at the top of the network list to ensure that it will be used to enter the campus wireless network
9. Click OK and Apply
10. Open Safari or another Web browser and go to a web site to confirm connectivity; if the site does not open, try restarting your computer

Generic instructions for all other operating systems

(or if Windows does not control your wireless)

1. The wireless network is named UA_WPA
2. The authentication type is WPA2.
3. The data encryption is AES.
4. The EAP type is Protected EAP (PEAP) using the MSCHAP v2 authentication method.
5. The login is your NetID and UNIX password.

Footnotes

[1]

Guest Access: If you are a visitor to campus, please contact your UAlbany host or sponsoring agency for information about guest access to the wireless network.

[2]

UA_WPA is available to the UAlbany community members for use on compatible wireless devices. Using the WiUAlbany service does not obligate the University at Albany to provide technical support for a personally-owned computer or hand held device that may malfunction or fail to connect.