WiFi @ the UVa Medical Center

Most of the medical school and  medical center is covered by wireless networking. Here we give you the tips on how to configure your wireless device and get on the net.

Registering | Wahoo | HSCS-guest | Using Email on your PDA

Registering Your Device

Before you can use any WiFi device, laptop, PDA or WiFi enabled smart phone, you have to register the MAC address with ITC. The MAC address is a unique number that identifies a WiFi device. If you are registering a laptop with an Ethernet port follow ITC’s instructions.

If you are using a PDA or smartphone without a hardwired Ethernet port:

1. Find the MAC address. On Palm PDAs you will typically find it printed on the back label as a string of 12 numbers and letters.
   
   
2. Go to ITC’s Network registration site.
3. After logging in with your UVa computing userid and email password, click on "Register a device for network access."
4. Fill in the MAC address field, and be sure to identify the PDA as a wireless device in the appropriate question.
5. Submit your registration, and wait about 5 minutes for it to take effect.

Connecting to ITC's Wahoo WiFi Network

ITC maintains two wireless networks throughout the SOM classrooms and labs: Cavalier and Wahoo. Cavalier is a secure encrypted network, but requires a secure certificate, which is not supported on Palm PDAs. But you can use the "hidden" Wahoo wireless network without a secure certificate. Here's how:

1. Click on the WiFi icon in the bottom row of buttons on your PDA. This opens the Wi-Fi settings window.
   
2. Make sure Wi-Fi is set to "On". Then click on the "Scan / Setup" button.
3. Wahoo will typically not show up on the scan. Click the "Edit..." button, then choose "Add..."
4. In the "New Wi-Fi Network" window that opens, put in "wahoo" (all lower case) in the name field, and for "Security" choose "none" then click "OK".
5. Click on "Wahoo" in the list of networks, then click the "Connect" button. Your PDA will display a series of messages saying it is connecting and obtaining an IP address. You will know you are connected when the WiFi bars at the bottom of the screen turn white, and show how strong your signal is.
6. Now you can use the Palm Blazer web browser, or other network application like email.
7. Note that your Palm will disconnect from the WiFi network in order to save battery life if you are not actively using the network connection. You can adjust the amount of time before auto disconnection by clicking the Wi-Fi control icon, then clicking Wi-Fi Prefs.

Connecting to the HSCS Guest WiFi Network

The HSCS Guest WiFi network is available throughout the clinical areas of the hospital and will be in all clinics shortly. You must first register your MAC address, as described above. To perform the setup below you must be in a clinical area where this network is installed.

1. Click on the WiFi icon in the bottom row of buttons on your PDA. This opens the Wi-Fi settings window.
   
2. Make sure Wi-Fi is set to "On". Then click on the "Scan / Setup" button.
3. Click on "hscs-guest" in the list of networks and click the "Connect" button. Your PDA will display a series of messages saying it is connecting and obtaining an IP address. You will know you are connected when the WiFi bars at the bottom of the screen turn white, and show how strong your signal is.
4. Open your web browser. It will automatically default to the hscs-guest login page. Put in your UVa userid and HSCS password. Once you are authenticated you will be able to use any network application.
5. Note that your Palm will disconnect from the WiFi network in order to save battery life if you are not actively using the network connection. When you reconnect to the hscs-guest network you will have to put in your userid and password again. You can adjust the amount of time before auto disconnection by clicking the Wi-Fi control icon, then clicking Wi-Fi Prefs.

Ready to learn how to use your PDA email on WiFi?