Frequently Asked Questions - Wireless Network (MacConnect)

There are a number of possible causes and solutions.

 

1. clear your browser's cache
2. log in to LibAccess again

• If you have a firewall configured, disable the firewall and try LibAccess again. Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes the Windows Firewall. You may want to try disabling the Windows XP firewall if you have installed the service pack.

Outdated browsers

• If you are using an older version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc. try updating your browser.

DNS problems

• If you are still experiencing problems, it could be a DNS (domain name server) problem. Contact your Network Administrator.

 

If none of the above solutions work, please send us a message, and we'll help you resolve the problem.

You should check the wireless adapter TCP/IP properties: "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically".

Additionally, in the 'network connections' view, be sure that neither the wireless device nor the Cisco VPN is indicated as bridged. If so, right click the item and select Remove from Network Bridge.

Ensure the Cisco VPN service has been started and is set to 'automatic' (Control Panel - Administrative Tools - Services).

Also, check that the Cisco VPN network connection has not been disabled (Control Panel - Network Connections) (Right-click on Cisco VPN, select 'enable').

UTS provides limited support. See http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/network/vpn/vpnfaq.html#g13 for more information.

There are four common problems that can make the VPN connection stop working:

1. Your computer goes into screen saver/hibernation/standby mode, or powers down the network card to save energy. You must stop and restart the VPN client in order to reconnect.
2. Your computer loses its connection to the VPN server briefly. This can happen when the signal strength of a wireless access point fluctuates or when the wired network connection you are using is too busy to permit the VPN client to maintain its connection with the VPN server. You might want to try moving to another location/floor in the Library where access points may not be as busy.
3. Your connection has timed out. VPN sessions from an MacConnect network connection (wired and wireless) will time out after 30 minutes of inactivity, or 3 hours of continuous use. VPN sessions from off campus will time out after 30 minutes of inactivity or 24 hours of continuous use. If the VPN times out and your IPSec connection is terminated, click OK and bring up the VPN Dialer again.
4. If you are using Windows XP with the Firewall feature enabled, you may experience timeout problems (your session may disconnect within 5 minutes) if the following type of traffic is not allowed to pass through the firewall: UDP port 500.
   Changes required to avoid timeout issues:
   • Start->Control Panel->Windows Firewall Under the "General" Options Tab, ensure that the "Don't allow exceptions" is NOT checked. That is, you DO want to allow exceptions ...
   • Next, select the Exceptions Tab ...
   • Select "Add Port"
   • Specify a Name for this exception, in the "Name:" field (call it anything you like. Example: UDP500)
   • Specify 500 as your Port number.
   • Select UDP.
   • Select OK.
   • Select OK again, to close the Windows Firewall window.

For wireless coverage, check this page.

We have received similar complaints from some iBook users. UTS has made a configuration change early December 2005 which should correct the problem. If you are still having problems e-mail libit@mcmaster.ca with your contact information.

If you are unable to receive the MacConnect signal, first check the indicator light for the wireless card to make sure that the card is active. Some laptops have a switch for the wireless card on the side of the laptop, others enable the card by holding down the function key and hitting one of the keys F1 to F12 (which one varies with the brand of computer), and then refresh the browser. If this doesn't work, check out http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/network/vpn/vpnfaq.html.