Windows 7 & 8 and IllinoisNet Wireless
Requirements
In order to connect to the IllinoisNet wireless network with a Windows 7 or 8 computer:
- Your system must have a WPA2-capable wireless network card.
- CITES recommends you use a wireless A/B/G/N card. (B/G/N cards will work, but A/B/G/N cards will provide you with better performance). For a more detailed explanation, see Wireless Networking Speed: Ideals and Experience.
If your system doesn't meet the requirements for WPA2, you can continue to use UIUCnet Wireless instead.
Initial configuration
1. Determine which wireless wizard to download.
- For computers that are NOT connected to the campus Active Directory:
Download the regular edition of the IllinoisNet Wireless Wizard.
- For computers that ARE connected to the campus Active Directory:
Download the Active Directory-enabled edition of the IllinoisNet Wireless Wizard.
- Not sure if your computer is connected to the campus Active Directory?
Download the regular edition, since this version will also work with the Active Directory.
You can also check How to Tell if My Computer is Connected to Active Directory for more information.
If you’re reading a printed page rather than a website right now
If you're currently reading these instructions as a handout rather than online, you'll need to get to a computer with network access in order to download the IllinoisNet Windows Wireless Wizard for your Windows computer. Your options include:
- On campus - use QuickConnect to establish a network connection.
- Off campus - use your usual method of establishing a network connection.
- Campus computer labs - bring a thumb drive in order to download the file and transfer it to your computer.
Once you have a network connection:
- Download either the regular configuration file at http://go.illinois.edu/IllinoisNetWizard OR the Active Directory-enabled configuration file at http://go.illinois.edu/IllinoisNetWizardAD
- Transfer the file to your Windows computer (if you downloaded it onto a different device)
- Continue with step 2 below.
2. Click on the IllinoisNet Wireless Wizard file to launch it.
3. In the Welcome window, click Next.
4. In the Wireless Adapter window, select your wireless adapter from the list and click Next.
Note: The following screen shots were taken in Windows 7, but the same steps should apply for Windows 8.
5. Decide whether you want this computer to remember your NetID and password or not.
(For your safety, CITES Security recommends not letting the computer remember your credentials, especially if the computer is a shared or borrowed computer.)
Choose your preference and click Next.
6. In the Ready to Begin window, click Install.
7. As the wizard installs your wireless configuration, a status bar will indicate your progress.
8. When the wireless configuration is complete, click Finish.
Getting connected
When your network card has begun the process of connecting to the IllinoisNet network, a prompt bubble will appear over your task bar indicating that you need to "click to provide additional information and connect."
1. Click on the Wireless Network Connection bubble in order to view the Network Authentication window.
2. Enter the following information:
- User name: Your NetID
- Password: Your Active Directory password
(For more information about your Active Directory password, please contact the CITES Help Desk.)
3. Click OK.
Once your wireless card has finished authenticating with the IllinoisNet network, you'll be able to use the wireless network.
4. The first time you join a network, Windows 7 and 8 will prompt you to identify which type of network you're joining. Select the Public network option.
Set Network Location window - choose Public network
Trouble connecting?
If the installation of IllinoisNet fails, you have trouble getting connected to IllinoisNet, or if your computer shows a connection but doesn't allow Internet access you can refer to the Windows 7 or 8 Manual Installation steps to confirm that IllinoisNet is configured properly.
If you still have trouble getting connected to IllinoisNet, remember: you can always use UIUCnet Wireless instead. Switch your selected network to UIUCnet and open a browser window to log in through QuickConnect, and you'll be ready to go.
Disconnecting when finished
When you're finished with IllinoisNet:
1. Click on your wireless network icon in the task bar
2. Select IllinoisNet
3. Choose Disconnect