Connecting your laptop to the RedRover wireless network -Windows

For access to the wireless network, you need:

  1. A wireless card inserted in your laptop's PC Card slot. CIT recommends and supports the Enterasys RoamAbout wireless card. If your laptop is already equipped with another Wi-Fi certified wireless card such as the Apple AirPort, you should be able to access RedRover with your existing card.
  2. Software called a driver. This enables your computer to communicate with the wireless card. The driver usually comes on a CD in the same box as the wireless card, or can be downloaded from the manufacturer's web site. Install the driver according to the manufacturer's instructions.

To connect to RedRover in the libraries:

  1. To use RedRover, enter RedRover as your wireless network name (sometimes called the SSID) in your wireless card's properties box.
    • If you are using the RoamAbout Card you find this under: Start - Settings - Control Panel - Network - RoamAbout
      (for other cards this is usually in a similar place in your Network settings)
  2. Restart your computer after you have set the wireless network name.
  3. Open a web browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer.
  4. The first time you connect to RedRover you will be asked to register. If the registration window does not open automatically when you launch the web browser, go to http://wireless-reg.cit.cornell.edu/.
  5. After you register you will usually be asked to restart.

Important Notes:

  • If you have encryption software running on your machine you will have to disable it in order to use RedRover.
  • XP users - Be sure to check the box to "Allow to Connect to Unencrypted or Insecure Network" in the Wireless Connections Properties Box if prompted.
  • If you are getting a wireless connection but are not able to access the Internet try:
    • restarting your computer
    • opening sidecar, if you have it loaded on you machine, before opening the browser for the first time after restarting.

For more information about RedRover or for trouble-shooting help, see CIT's RedRover web site: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/redrover/ .

For additional assistance ask at the Reference Desk.

Last updated: April 26, 2005


Olin and Uris Libraries, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853
Information and reference: 607-255-4144, okuref@cornell.edu
Circulation: (Olin) 607-255-4245, (Uris) 607-255-3537, olincirc@cornell.edu