Wireless - Stuff ya gotta know

The University's wireless system now supports two methods of connecting: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Information Technology Services recommends that you use WPA if your computer or device supports it (most do now), and only use WEP if your computer or device does not support WPA, or if you do not want your computer or device to permanently store your University password. Some characteristics of each of these connection methods are:

WPA:

Generally considered more secure than WEP.
Most computers and devices can permanently store your University username and password so that you don't have to manually log in to the network each time you turn your device on (especially convenient with phones and tablets).
No need to configure your device with a complicated security key.

WEP:

Works with more computers and operating systems than WPA.
Your computer or device does not store your University password.
Must start a web browser each time you start up (or resume) your computer or device in order to log on to the network via an authentication web page.

We recommend that you configure your system using WPA, unless it does not support WPA. Important configuration parameters for using both systems are listed below:

Connecting via WPA (recommended)

Connecting via WEP

Instructions to connect popular computers and devices via WPA are provided below.

You'll need the following settings in order to configure your wireless computer to connect to the University network via WPA:

Network name: hawknet
Username: Your UofH email name (without the "@hartford.edu" part)
Password: Your UofH email password

Some computers or devices may also prompt for one or more of the following:

Connection type: Infrastructure
Security type: WPA2-Enterprise
Encryption type: AES
Authentication method: PEAP

Note: Some computers and devices may warn you that they cannot verify the authenticity of the network's security certificate. (Windows 7 displays a particularly ominous message!)

This is normal, and you should simply choose to connect or accept the certificate. From time to time, as the University updates the security certifcate, you may be again prompted to accept the new certificate.

You'll need the following settings in order to configure your wireless computer to connect to the University network via WEP. (Some operating systems and/or network card drivers may not ask some of the following.):

SSID (all areas except Residence Halls): uhart (must be typed in all lowercase letters!)
SSID (Residence Halls): uhartford (must be typed in all lowercase letters!)
128-bit WEP key: 0123456789abcdef9876543210

Once your network card "associates" itself with the network, you must start your web browser. Your browser will automatically be directed to the University's Network Authentication System using an encrypted web session.

When the logon screen appears, enter your University of Hartford e-mail name and e-mail password, and click "Log in". Your computer will be connected to the University's network and the Internet, and your web browser will then continue automatically to your default home page. You can then start your email program, etc.

University of Hartford Information Technology Services
ITS@hartford.edu
860.768.5999