Connecting to the VT-Wireless Wireless Network in Mac OS X v10.5 with Certificates
Time to Complete (in minutes): 60
Question:
How do I connect to the VT-Wireless wireless network in Mac OS X v10.5 with certificates?

Answer:

Notes:

  • Important: Connecting to VT-Wireless with certificates is still possible, but users are highly encouraged to connect to VT-Wireless using their PID and network password. For more information, see Connecting to the VT-Wireless Wireless Network in Mac OS X v10.5 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/3355/).
  • For Virginia Tech students, current registration for Virginia Tech wireless services using COLA (https://cola.cns.vt.edu/servlets/logon) is required to access the VT-Wireless wireless network.

To connect to the VT-Wireless wireless network in Mac OS X v10.5:
  1. Create and download a personal network access certificate.
    1. Go to the Login to NetCert via CAS (https://netcert.cns.vt.edu/) Web page.
    2. In the Username text box, type your PID.
    3. In the Password text box, type your PID password.
    4. Click the Login button.
    5. In the Label for certificate: text box, type a name for your certificate.
    6. Click the Generate Certificate button.

      Important: Write down the personal network access certificate password exactly as it is displayed. You will need it to install the certificate.

    7. Click the Download the certificate link.
    8. Save the file to your desktop.
  2. Install the personal network access certificate on your computer.
    1. If you already have a certificate that is expiring or has expired, delete your old certificate before installing the new one. For instructions, see Deleting VT-Wireless Certificates in Mac OS X v10.5/10.6/10.7 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/3514/).
    2. On your desktop, double-click the certificate that you downloaded. The Add Certificates window will appear.
    3. From the Keychain: drop-down list, select login.
    4. Click OK. An Enter the password for "[NetCert Filename]": window will open.

      Note: [NetCert Filename] will be replaced with the filename of the NetCert you downloaded.

    5. In the Password: text box, type your personal network access certificate password.
    6. Click OK.
  3. Configure your computer's wireless settings to access the VT-Wireless wireless network.
    1. On the menu bar, click the Airport icon.
    2. From the drop-down list, select VT-Wireless.
    3. In the window asking for a password for VT-Wireless:
      1. If it is not already cleared, clear the Username text box.
      2. If it is not already cleared, clear the Password text box.
      3. If it is not already selected, from the 802.1X drop-down list, select Automatic.
      4. Click OK.

        Note: If the connection times out, click OK again until the connection is established.

    4. Click the Always Allow button. The computer should now be connected to VT-Wireless.
  • Article ID: 3760
  • Last updated: 18 Jun, 2012
  • Views: 738
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