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St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University

Wireless Configuration with VPN

for Windows 2000 and XP

Follow these instructions to configure your laptop for use on the SCSU wireless network.

Requirements

In order to configure for and use wireless services provided by SCSU, you must:

  • Be on campus at SCSU
  • Be a current student, faculty, or staff member at SCSU
  • Have a valid HuskyNetID.
  • Have Windows 2000 or Windows XP (Note: Windows 95, 98, NT, and ME may work, but support will be limited from technical staff)
  • Have installed and configured a 802.11b or 802.11g compatible wireless network card or have 802.11b or 802.11g capabilities built-in to your laptop or hand-held device. A 802.11a wireless card will only work in Benton, Stearns, Mitchell, Shoemaker, Sherburne, Holes and Hill-Case residence halls.

    NOTE: There may be issues with the WPC11 - Wireless-B Notebook Adapter Version 4, from Linksys. This card may not work on the SCSU wireless network without a driver upgrade. An updated driver is available from Linksys.

Step 1: Install VPN Client Software

SCSU uses VPN software to encrypt traffic and authenticate windows users to the wireless network.

  1. Download the VPN client software.
    NOTE: When installing the software you may see one or more error messages stating that this installer has not passed windows logo testing. This isn't a problem. Click on "Continue Anyway".
  2. The installer will require a reboot of your computer when finished.

Step 2: Connect to the SCSU Wireless Network

The wireless network SSID (name) is the same for all areas on campus. The SSID is also broadcast so that you don't have to manually enter it. By default, most computers should automatically connect to this network. Should your computer give you an error about connecting to an insecure network, disregard this error and connect anyway. The VPN client installed above will provide the necessary encryption and security.

When you connect on campus, you should connect to the "HuskyNet Wireless VPN" network. If you connect to any other network on campus, please disconnect and notify the HelpDesk in Miller Center B43 or call them at 8-2077 from on campus. Any other wireless network on campus (especially in the residence halls) is most likely not authorized and maybe be incorrectly setup leaving your privacy and personal data at risk.

Note: Make sure your wireless configuration is not using WEP or any other security method when you connect to the wireless network. The VPN Client you installed in step 2 will provide encryption.

Step 3: Login and use the Wireless Network

Once you have successfully installed the VPN client and are able to connect to "HuskyNet Wireless VPN", you will need to login to the network using the VPN client software.

In Windows, click on "Start", then "Programs", and then on the folder named "SCSU VPN". Highlight and then click on "VPN Dialer" to start the VPN client software.

In the "St Cloud State University VPN Client" window, click on the "Connect" button. You will be prompted for a username and password. Enter your HuskyNetID for the username and then enter your password. Click on "OK".

Once authenticated, the VPN client will mimimize to the task bar and appear as a yellow "lock" icon. Your computer is now connected and active on the wireless network.

Each time you want to use the SCSU wireless network in the future, complete steps 2 and 3.

Printing Using HuskyNet Wireless

Printing is available for users of the wireless network. The printing system (called HuskyPrint) is the same system that is used in all open campus labs and a number of other campus technology locations. Every student at SCSU has a quota (200 black and white pages) that they can print without charge each semester.