In This Document:

• Overview
• Coverage Area
• Kellogg Laptop Program computers
  • T60
  • T43
• Disabling the Wireless Card
• Non-Kellogg Laptop Program Computers
  • Compatible wireless cards
• Troubleshooting wireless problems
• Other wireless networks at Northwestern University

Wireless Ethernet networks allow you to access the Internet and the Kellogg network without plugging into an Ethernet jack. In general, a Wireless connection works just like a Wired Ethernet connection, so you can check E-mail, browse the web, print to network printers, access your home directory, and view your Meeting Maker schedule while connected to wireless.

Top speed on Kellogg's wireless network is 11 megabits per second (Mbps). Wireless networks are a shared resource, however: the more users connected to wireless, the less bandwidth is available to each user. For this reason, wired Ethernet remains the best choice when there's an Ethernet port nearby. Wireless access is intended to supplement Wired Ethernet access, not replace it.

Faculty should schedule classes for wired classrooms, not wireless only classrooms, if network access will be a critical part of the class (e.g. a laptop hands-on exercise or exam via laptop).

Wireless Etiquette

Please be considerate of your fellow students—the wireless network is a shared resource. Downloading large files (movie trailers, MP3’s, etc.), streaming audio & video, and using file sharing services will slow the wireless network down for everyone, so please refrain from these activities. Additionally, some peer-to-peer file trading applications can put you at a security risk by silently installing spyware on your laptop.

Kellogg provides wireless Ethernet coverage in the following areas: 

• Jacobs Center
• Wireless coverage throughout.
• McManus Living Learning Center
• Wireless coverage throughout.
• Allen Center
  • Wireless coverage throughout. See our Allen Center Wireless Networking instructions for more information.
• Chicago Campus
  • Wireless coverage in select classrooms on all floors. See our Chicago campus Wireless Networking instructions for more information.

Wireless Ethernet coverage is also available in several Northwestern University buildings. See below for more information.

Kellogg Laptop Program Computers

Kellogg Laptop Program computers come with a built-in wireless Ethernet card with antennas on each side of the LCD panel. You do not need to buy a separate wireless card. KLP computers are also pre-configured to connect to the Kellogg wireless network. Summer 2006 Update: Northwestern University has added a new SSID to all access points in the Jacobs Center, Allen Center, Wieboldt Hall and McManus labelled "Northwestern". This new wireless network uses the WPA2 security protocol for wireless authentication and does not require the use of NU VPN. For instructions on configuring your laptop for this new wireless network, please see NUIT's documentation here. Please note that NUIT now offers a wireless configuration wizard for Windows XP. Kellogg Laptop Program ThinkPad T60 (Northwestern) First, make sure you're connected. Look for an icon of two computers in the bottom right corner of your screen. If you have the icon, hover over it to see if it's your wireless or Ethernet connection. If it's wireless, you'll see a message like the one at right. If you are not connected, right-click on the wireless icon in the bottom right corner of your screen and select Repair. After waiting for Windows to disable and re-enable your wireless device, you should be prompted to enter your credentials (see image at right). To authenicate, click on the bubble and fill in the User name (NetID) and Password fields. Leave Logon Domain blank. You should now be connected! If you are still having trouble connecting to the Northwestern wireless network, please contact KIS. Kellogg Laptop Program ThinkPad T43 (EMBA students only) Look for an icon of two computers in the bottom right corner of your screen. If you have the icon, hover over it to see if it's your wireless or Ethernet connection. If it's wireless, you'll see a message like the one at right.

To connect to the wireless network, click the Start button, select Connect To, then Wireless Network Connection. Now locate the ksm network and click connect. Once connected, you'll see a pop-up alert in the bottom right corner of the screen, like the one to the right. Disabling the wireless card If you do not need wireless Ethernet access (wired jack nearby, or you don't require net access) and are not plugged into a power outlet, disabling your wireless card will conserve battery power. The more power you can conserve, the longer you can work before you'll need to plug your laptop in to power. ThinkPad T60: There are two methods: Method one is to flip the switch located on the left-hand side of the laptop (below the palmrest). The second method is to type Fn-F5, then click Radio Off to disable the wireless card. To re-enable the wireless card, type Fn-F5 and click Radio On. ThinkPad T60: There are two methods: Method one is to flip the switch located on the left-hand side of the laptop (below the palmrest). The second method is to type Fn-F5, then click Power Off to disable the wireless card. To re-enable the wireless card, type Fn-F5 and click Power On. ThinkPad T43: Type Fn-F5, then click Turn Off to disable the wireless card. To re-enable the wireless card, type Fn-F5 and click Turn On. ThinkPad T41: Type Fn-F5 to disable the wireless card. To re-enable the wireless card, type Fn-F5 again. Non-Kellogg Laptop Program computers "Northwestern" wireless network (recommended): Instructions are available from NUIT here. Please note that they now have a wireless configuration wizard for Windows XP. Compatible wireless cards KIS does not have a specific wireless card recommendation--except that you should not buy a bargain-basement card and expect it to work hassle-free. Note that in order to function on the Kellogg wireless network, it must be WPA2-compliant. If you have recently purchased a laptop, it is likely compliant. Troubleshooting If you are having trouble connecting to the Northwestern wireless network and your wireless radio is enabled, you may want to try repairing the connection. You can do this by right-clicking on the wireless icon and selecting Repair. If you continue to have issues, please contact KIS.

Other wireless networks at Northwestern University

In addition to Kellogg's wireless network, Northwestern University maintains wireless networks in several University buildings, including the Norris Center and Tech. A full listing of Northwestern University wireless locations is available here.

For more information, see Northwestern IT's Wireless Networking page.