PAWS FAQ: Using a Macintosh running OS X on the PAWS Network

Wireless Configuration for OS X with AirPort cards

Download and install the latest OS X drivers from the Apple web site

Verify the Airport hardware is setup correctly

  1. Open the Airport application or Internet Connection Application.

  2. Ideally you should see, that the configuration is "AirPort", that the AirPort power is "on", that the AirPort Network is listed as "UGA" or "Wireless Network".

    If "AirPort" is not selected in the configuration you will need to select it. If the AirPort power is turned off, you need only click "Turn AirPort On" to activate the card. If the network is not set to "UGA" you will need to change it to "UGA".

Configure TCP/IP to use your Airport connection.

  1. Open your System Preferences application. It is listed in the pull down menu under the Apple Menu.

  2. In the System Preferences application select the Network icon (on the top row).

  3. All network configuration is done within the Network preferences window.

    1. Network Location should be set to "Automatic"
    2. Configure (Mac OS X 10.1.5) or Show (Mac OS X 10.2 and later) should be set to "AirPort"

    Select the TCIP/IP tab to configure TCP/IP settings.

    1. Configure should be set to "Using DHCP"
    2. The remaining settings should be blank

  4. Select the AirPort tab (This tab only appears for Wireless ports using Apple's AirPort card. If you have a third-party wireless card, a tab with a different name may appear, and you will need to consult your vendor's documentation to learn how to configure your wireless card.).

    1. The Preferred Network (Mac OS X 10.1.5) or Network (Mac OS X 10.2 and later) should be set to "UGA" (This wireless network name is also know as the SSID. If left blank it will allow your computer to select any wireless network within radio range).
    2. The Network Password should be left blank (Mac OS X 10.1.5). No password is needed because PAWS does not use WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
    3. Uncheck the Allow this computer to create networks box (Mac OS X 10.2 and later)
    4. Check the Show AirPort status in menu bar box. This creates a menu that displays the Wireless Access Point's signal strength, and lets you quickly turn on and off your AirPort card.

     

  5. To preserve any changes you have made click on the "Save" button ("Apply Now" in Mac OS 10.1), then close the network window and your system preferences window.