Wifi Help

[CarRamrod]

I know how to use wifi and everything with my 6700 but I have no idea on how to access private networks. The one I know I can access is my school's network in which whenever I log on to one of their computers I enter my user name and password. Where do I go to enter these so I can access the network with my phone?

[Hooya]

When you search for networks as long as the SSID is broadcast you'll see it in your list of available networks (a question usually pops up at the bottom screen). That will take you through the username/password sequence. If you've used WiFi on the device before it should be pretty intuitive.

Now, if the SSID isn't being broadcast, then there are more steps to take.

[gambatte]

Do you know about WEP keys and WPA passphrases? That's the other way that private networks are secured/encrypted. When you access these, there will be a way to insert this information.

[CarRamrod]

Originally Posted by Hooya

When you search for networks as long as the SSID is broadcast you'll see it in your list of available networks (a question usually pops up at the bottom screen). That will take you through the username/password sequence. If you've used WiFi on the device before it should be pretty intuitive.

Now, if the SSID isn't being broadcast, then there are more steps to take.

Well the network shows up in my list of available networks but when I tell it to connect it will say "Connecting" but will never connect. I disabled the notification that alerts me of every available network but I am enabling it and will see if that helps at all tomorrow.

[gambatte]

Does the SSID have a pretty good signal strength? If it doesn't can just sit there trying to connect.

[CarRamrod]

Yes, I usually have 3/4 bars at all times so I know the signal wouldn't be a problem. It's annoying not to be able to browse the web while I'm bored in class. I just need to figure out why I don't get a notification asking for my username and password.

[gambatte]

I guess I'm not understanding. Why can't you surf on the school WIFI? The username/password gets you on the LAN doesn't it? That should have internet access as well as intranet access (school specific stuff that you need the login for). You must have connected at a WIFI hotspot before, e.g. Starbucks, McDonald's, airport, hotel, etc. Those are unsecured WIFI for internet access and usually just connect when you detect them if they are free. Private home, secured (they have a small lock on the SSID) networks have the keys and passphrases. It's usually businesses and schools that have the logins. Am I understanding your question?

OK, well I just read your first post a little more carefully. Your school must not have WIFI and it is a wired ethernet LAN. But then you seem to know the login of the WIFI you are trying to connect to. Do you know this SSID?

[weedahoe]

Originally Posted by CarRamrod

I know how to use wifi and everything with my 6700 but I have no idea on how to access private networks. The one I know I can access is my school's network in which whenever I log on to one of their computers I enter my user name and password. Where do I go to enter these so I can access the network with my phone?

Does anyone notice a contradiction here? He says he knows how to use WiFi on the 6700 but doesnt know how to connect to a Private LAN?

Originally Posted by gambatte

I guess I'm not understanding. Why can't you surf on the school WIFI? The username/password gets you on the LAN doesn't it? That should have internet access as well as intranet access (school specific stuff that you need the login for). You must have connected at a WIFI hotspot before, e.g. Starbucks, McDonald's, airport, hotel, etc. Those are unsecured WIFI for internet access and usually just connect when you detect them if they are free. Private home, secured (they have a small lock on the SSID) networks have the keys and passphrases. It's usually businesses and schools that have the logins. Am I understanding your question?

OK, well I just read your first post a little more carefully. Your school must not have WIFI and it is a wired ethernet LAN. But then you seem to know the login of the WIFI you are trying to connect to. Do you know this SSID?

He cant surf on the school WiFi because they likely run an open network but when you open your broswer is when it asks for his authentications. This is no different that a lot of places and espcially hotels. His school likely does do WiFi BUT it is also likely MAC filtered which is why he can detect it but cannot connect. It is likely setup for authorized personel to which he is not. He does not know the WiFi login or else he wouldnt be here asking (or again, he isnt authorized) and he already can pick up the WiFi because he says he can see it but cannot connect to it.

The schools IT has it set up where he must be authorized to connect and use WiFi. He can see and detect the SSID but cannot connect to it. He is authorized to connect via LAN on a desktop after giving his UID/Pass.

[gambatte]

Yeah, I forgot about the possibility of MAC filtering (each device has a unique MAC address and the network administrator can specify which device can connect; another way of access control other than encryption). Pretty smart school, e.g. they don't want ppl surfing while in class. Ask around and see if other ppl can connect WIFI. Looks like you probably will have to opt for a data plan if you can't see an unlocked residential SSID.

[CarRamrod]

I have my username and password I use when I use the school computers which should work because people that have iPod Touches or iPhones get a notification when they connect to enter their name and password. The problem is that I don't get anything to enter my name and password and don't know where to enter it if nothing is supposed to pop up, which is why I can't connect.