Overview
This section reviews some of the various networking types to understand what kind of network one may be trying to connect with. In short, it is recommended that users setup WPA Security on their home router and use the LEAP process for IBM campus connections.
IBM Wireless Access Overview
At IBM, network security is beefed up with authentication servers which can only be accessed with unique user accounts. Home and 'hotspot' (i.e. hotels/cafe's/etc) networks can range from having 'free' or unencrypted access to having a shared authentication key.
IBM Wireless Types are listed below and have different advantages and disadvantages. It is generally recommended the users go with LEAP technology.
Secure/Encrypted Wireless Types | |
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Cisco LEAP Technology |
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Digital Certificates (EAP-TLS) |
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Other Wireless Types | |
IBM Visitor Centers |
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Home and 'hotspot' Wireless Overview
To protect your data, you should setup WPA or WEP 128bit router at home which will shield you from users trying to access your data and also from them using your network to download illegal software and media which can possibly get you into legal trouble.
Other Wireless Connectivity Types
Home Wireless and 'hotspot' Types - The various home wireless configurations have their advantages and disadvantages, for most users setting wireless, WPA keys are recommended.
Secure / Encrypted Wireless Types | |
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Wireless WEP 128-bit passphrase networks |
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Wireless WEP 128-bit text-key authentication |
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WEP 64-bit (Hexadecimal key) authentication |
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WPA Personal Security Authentication |
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Unsecured / UnEncrypted Wireless Types | |
Free Wireless |
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Website Login |
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Network Manager Applet
- The Network Manager Applet runs on your desktop's taskbar. If it is missing, the Network Manager Service may not be running.
Leap Configuration
- Start the Network Connections tool: locate the Networking Applet on the task bar, right mouse click, and select Edit Connections
- Click on the Wireless tab
- select the add button for new connection, this will open a configuration window
- Locate Connection name: text box and change the name to something like IBM LEAP
- Under the Wireless tab input IBM for the SSID field.
- Then click on the Wireless Security tab and select LEAP from the pull down menu.
- Input your email address and bluewireless password (i.e. mquick@us.ibm.com / o*^a)4EYGm7a )
- Confirm that the Connect Automatically box is unchecked.
- Click Apply button
- Click Close button to close the network manager
Keyring Manager
If this is your first time connecting to a wireless network, Keyring Manager (which holds all of your network passwords) will start launching a dialog box.
- Input a master password for all of your wireless connections. This will be the gatekeeper password for all of your wireless connections. (You will be asked to provide this master password when connecting to encrypted wireless networks.)
- Keyring Mananger further protects IBM networks and your data. You will only be asked once per boot up for this password.
To connect:
- The IBM network may not be boardcasting. Left mouse click on network applet
- Select the IBM option from the list of wireless networks.
- Wait for the connection process to complete.
- Test the connection (i.e. with web browser)
Information
- If you make an error configuring network delete profile and start again.
- If the network is acting 'out of the ordinary', you can try restarting the NetworkManager and network serices.
- If you are unable to connect to the LEAP infrastructure, check that your signal strength is strong and you have the latest software updates.
- You can view the ip address values by right mouse clicking on the Network Applet and selecting Connection Information
Optionally, you can issue the command : /sbin/ifconfig | grep addr: from the command line to achieve similar results - If the ip address begins with 169. (or is not set at all), you have no connectivity to the network, try rebooting
Connecting to Encrypted (secured) Wireless Networks
- Have the following information ready:
- Network Name (SSID) - this is the wireless network name (SSID),should automatically find this but have it ready just in case.
- Wireless Security Type - Have the network security type setup available
- Network Password - Have your network security key ready
- Unplug the Wired connection before starting a Wireless setup/connection.
- Locate the Networking Applet icon on the 'taskbar'
- Left mouse click on the networking applet, a window will open.
- Move the mouse and click on the network you would like to connect to.
(If your network is not shown, you can manually create a network or wait until it is found)
- Confirm that the Wireless Security is correct.
- Input the password key information when asked, and then click on the connect button.
- If this is your first time connecting to a wireless network:
- A keyring manager (which holds all of your network passwords) dialog box will open
- Input a master password for all of your wireless connections.
(You will be asked to provide this master password when connecting to encrypted wireless networks.)
- Wait for the connection process to complete.
- Test the connection (i.e. with Internet browser)
Connecting to Open (and unsecured) Wireless Networks
- Unplug the Wired connection before starting a Wireless setup/connection.
- Locate the Networking Applet icon on the 'task bar'
- Right Click on the Network Manager Applet and ensure 'Enable Wireless' and 'Enable Networking boxes are checked.
- Close and Click on applet again and connect to the desired wireless network (SSID).
(this example is connecting to a hotel_wireless network)
(Note: There may be more than one wireless network showing so be sure the one you Click is the one you have access to. Not always the strongest signal.)
- Accept and wait for the connection to complete.
- Start the Firefox Web browser. Attempt to go to any website such as www.google.com
- Your browser may be redirected to the business location's gateway web site.
For most commercial location you will have to either accept the terms and conditions before using (some may also be pay sites)
Troubleshooting various types of wireless connections
Unlock Keyring |
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Network Manager Applet not Visible |
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Network Manager has Red Stop Sign |
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Re-scanning for networks |
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Wireless card not working or recognized |
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LEAP Account Problems |
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Encryption With WEP 64 / 128-bit ASCII |
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Encryption With WEP 64 / 128 -bit Hexadecimal |
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Encryption With WEP 128-bit Passphrase |
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Keyring Manager |
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