CONNECT TO THE MGC NETWORK
Wired Access
Synopsis
Most laptop computers have both wired and wireless Ethernet adapter cards, which enable you to connect to the wired and wireless networks of the College at the same time. While it is technically possible to be connected to both simultaneously, please only connect to one network at a time. In your dormitory room, use your Ethernet cable and wall outlet for faster network performance, higher levels of security and system stability. Otherwise, use a wireless connection to connect to the campus network.
Solution
When a laptop has both wireless and wired network adapters, the wireless connection is not automatically disabled when the laptop is connected into the wired network using an Ethernet cable and port. Windows does not have the ability to automatically disable wireless when the Ethernet cable is plugged into a network, nor does it automatically enable wireless when your Ethernet cable is unplugged.
You should always be aware of whether you are connected to the wired or wireless network, and use only one network connection at a time. Your laptop can be connected to both networks simultaneously, which can cause network instability and slow connectivity.
How to Enable/Disable Your Wireless Connection
Dell Quickset Utility
On a Dell laptop running the latest versions of Quickset and the Intel drivers (downloadable from support.dell.com), perform the following steps:
- Launch the Quickset utility by double-clicking the Quickset icon in the system tray.
- Click on Location Profiler in the upper left.
- Click Modify Settings on the left side in the Quickset Location Profiler window.
- Select the box Disable Wi-Fi until the Wired connection is terminated.
- Click Save at the bottom of the window.
This can be very useful to those who plug into an Ethernet port so they don't have to manually disable wireless. It also fixes a few problems where Windows might try to use both network interfaces simultaneously. Note: Sometimes it appears that the "Location Profiler" menu option is not present. If this is the case, reinstall Quickset, reboot, then re-install the Dell drivers for wireless and reboot again. This seems to correct the issue.
Windows Computers; Manual Method
- Right-click your wireless icon in the system tray and select View Available Wireless Networks
- Double-click on the MGC-Wireless connection to disconnect.
- Click Yes when prompted to disconnect .
- Click on the Start button.
- Pull up to Connect To --> Show All Connections (in Windows 2000 or XP using the classic interface, pull up Settings and select Network Connections.)
- Right-click on the Wireless Network Connection and select View Available Wireless Networks. Double-click on the MGC-Wireless (for example) connection to disconnect.
- Click Yes when prompted to disconnect.
These procedures leave the wireless device active, and the wireless icon viewable in the system tray with a red X on it, to easily connect when desired, as shown here:
Mac OS Computers; Manual Method
If your Macintosh does not automatically detect the wired network when you plug in an Ethernet cable:
- From the Apple menu select System Preferences.
- Click the Network icon.
- From the drop down menu select Built-in Ethernet (wired), or Airport (wireless), as needed.
Click on the signal strength indicator in the upper right corner of your screen and select nostrings from the menu.
How to turn off network bridging and Internet connection sharing
Network instability can also be caused if either Network Bridging or Internet Connection Sharing is turned on within your system preferences. When your computer is configured for network bridging or Internet Connection Sharing, it can cause looping of network traffic.
Windows Vista
- Click on the Start button.
- Click on Control Panel and choose Network and Sharing Center.
- On the left hand side of the page select Manage network connections from the Tasks list.
- In the Network Connections window, right-click on an active Ethernet connection (Local Area Connection). Make sure Bridge Connections is not selected.
Windows XP Pro
- Click on the Start button.
- Pull up Connect To --> Show All Connections (if using the classic interface, pull up Settings and select Network Connections).
- In the Network Connections window, right-click on an active Ethernet connection (Local Area Connection). Make sure Bridge Connections is not selected.
Windows 2000
- Click on the Start button.
- Pull up Settings and select Network Connections.
- Right-click on an active Ethernet connection (Local Area Connection). On the Connection Properties screen, select the Sharing tab.
- Under Shared Access, make sure Enable Internet Connection Sharing for this connection is not selected, then click OK.
Mac OS X
- From the Apple menu, select System Preference.
- Under Internet & Network, click Sharing, then click the Internet tab.
- Internet Sharing Off must be displayed at the top of the tab. If you see Internet Sharing On, click Stop to disable it.
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