In Windows, why can't I get an IP address at a Kiva Everywhere KSpot?

As an Indiana University wireless user, you have access to the Internet through Kiva Everywhere KSpots if you are using a VPN connection.

The most common problem with receiving an IP address when trying to connect through a KSpot is the result of the default Windows settings that determine what networks Windows can connect to. The instructions in the Knowledge Base document At IU, how do I make a wireless connection with ORiNOCO or Windows XP? contain settings that allow a computer to connect to different networks automatically; however, you may choose not to follow those instructions because you want to restrict what network your computer connects to (e.g., if you are in an apartment complex with many individual private access points). The problem now is that Windows is waiting for permission to connect to the most recently available access point. The instructions below will allow you to add the Kiva Everywhere network to the list of networks your computer can connect to.

In Windows XP

1. From the Start menu, select either Control Panel, or Settings and then Control Panel.
   
   
2. Double-click Network Connections. Right-click Wireless Network Connection and select Properties.
   
   
3. In the Available networks window, see if KivaEverywhere is listed. If not, click the Refresh button and see if it appears.

   Note: There is no space between the words Kiva and Everywhere when it appears in this list.

4. Once you see KivaEverywhere in the list, select it and click Configure.
   
   
5. The Wireless network properties window will open. Double-check to make sure that the "Network Name (SSID):" field here reads KivaEverywhere, and then click OK.

In Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, or XP with the ORiNOCO client software installed

1. From the Start menu, select either Control Panel, or Settings and then Control Panel.
   
   
2. Double-click Wireless Network.
   
   
3. Select the profile you use and click the Edit button.

   Note: In most cases, the default profile is the correct one.

4. Under "Network type", make sure that Access Point is selected. Click Next.
   
   
5. In the "Network Name" field, type any .

   In some situations, you may not want to enter any here. Entering this value allows connections to any access point that makes itself available. If you only use your computer on the IU campus and at the KSpots, this shouldn't be a problem. But if you use your computer in places where there may be several wireless access points (e.g., in an apartment complex with many different private access points), you may want to restrict what your computer connects to in order to avoid inadvertently connecting to someone else's network. In cases like that, instead of entering any in this field, click the Scan button and choose KivaEverywhere from the list.

6. Click Next three times, and then click OK.

Note: If you do not see KivaEverywhere in the list, then your wireless network adapter is not receiving a signal from the KSpot's wireless access point, and it is useless to continue with these instructions. Distance, the number of other users, or other events beyond your control may keep you from receiving a signal. (For additional possibilities, see Other less common reasons below.) If you can move closer, or if you can wait for others to finish their Internet sessions, you may then be able to connect. Be wary of any network appearing in the list that you do not recognize; you should connect only to Kiva's network in a KSpot. It is a security risk to do otherwise.

In Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, or 2000 without the ORiNOCO client software

Only ORiNOCO wireless cards use the ORiNOCO client software. For wireless adapters that use different software (for example, the various D-Link cards and their configuration programs), you will have to refer to the manufacturer's manuals and support web sites on how to add a new wireless network. The following remain constant no matter what the software:

• The name KivaEverywhere in the list of available networks and wireless access points
  
  
• The requirement that you add a new network or wireless access point to your list of acceptable connections

It is possible to use some wireless adapters in Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, or 2000 without any client software. Such adapters tend to accept any wireless access point that presents itself. There are no settings in Windows itself that control how and to what Windows connects. For security reasons, it is a good idea to run any client software that comes with your card so that you can control connections.

Other less common reasons you do not receive an IP

There may be other reasons why you cannot receive an IP:

• You may have a firewall that prevents you from seeing the access point. Some firewalls detect new connections and ask you to allow them. Others simply block anything you don't allow ahead of time. Either configure the firewall to allow IP addresses within the range 64.151.174.1 to 64.151.174.126, or temporarily shut it down to allow the wireless connection.
  
  
• You may have an incompatible wireless network adapter. KSpots use Wi-Fi access points, which means that your wireless adapter must comply with the 802.11b standard. 802.11g adapters are backward compatible and should work at 802.11b speeds. 802.11a adapters will not work unless they also have 802.11b capabilities. Other types of wireless interface cards like Bluetooth or cellular data network adapters will not work.
  
  
• Physical factors may prevent your connection, for example:
  
  
  • There may be too many users at the time, and you may need to wait for one to disconnect.
  • You may be out of range of the KSpot access point. The maximum range for an average 802.11b and g wireless access point is around 250 feet under perfect conditions, but in the real world actual ranges can be less than half of that.
  
  
• There might be too much radio interference. Any device that can generate radio signals in the 2.4GHz band can potentially interfere with Wi-Fi. 2.4GHz cordless phones operate on the same frequency as 802.11b and g devices and some manufacturers have reported problems when microwave ovens are in the vicinity. Interference can be fought by changing channels on the access point (the 802.11b/g spec contains 14 channels, 11 of which are accessible in the US; most cards automatically change those channels).

Also see:

• In Windows XP, how do I make a VPN connection to the IU network?
• At IU, what factors might affect the quality of my wireless connection?
• At IUB, what is Kiva Everywhere?
• At IU, how do I make a wireless connection with ORiNOCO or Windows XP?
• What IP address will I get when using Kiva Everywhere for my wireless Internet connection?
• In Windows, how do I connect to a Kiva Everywhere KSpot using my IU username and password?