{SearchText}

This is a basic method of accessing the SVW network. In essence a basic node acts like a simple radio receiver. It transmits and receives radio signals to allow the computer to access the network and hence the Internet.

Minimum Requirements:

• 200MHz or greater Pentium PC
• Windows based operating system (any OS will do but we do not support these) [we don't support any ed.]
• Wireless card or wireless access point that can act as a client.
• Inform the administrators of the network of your intentions so that your hardware is enabled on the network

Macs and Linux based machines can be used on the network but you're on your own here- you still need to get your hardware enabled on the network though!

Initial set-up:

Wireless PCMCIA or ISA card

Follow the manufacturers instructions to install the card in your machine. PCMCIA cards will require an adapter to install them into desktop machines.

Wireless Access Point

Connect the AP to the computer's network card with appropriate network cable. Remember, if you are not connecting it through a hub, router or switch, then the AP needs to be connected to the computer with a crossover cable. Follow the manufacturer's advice closely. Ensure your AP can support Client Mode.

DIY

Now install your antenna and run the cable from your aerial to the wireless hardware. Keep the antenna cable as short as possible to minimise signal loss. (<3-4 metres) If your cable run is likely to be longer, think about getting connected using a wireless access point which you can install in a loft.

Hardware set-up:

Ensure your wireless network card is installed correctly (see manual for more details) and run the set-up software/open the administration page (depends on the brand of hardware: see your hardware manual)

Set the ESSID (ID of the network) and the channel to to what SVW have told you. The network type should be "infrastructure", again check your hardware manual. You may be able to scan the airwaves and connect to the network this way. A wireless access point will need to be put into client mode. You may have to adjust your antenna to get best possible reception.

Windows XP is able to manage wireless cards directly attached to the machine. More...

Last update Wednesday, March 14, 2007 2:24 PM