Troubleshooting FalconAir with Windows

If you are having difficulty connecting to FalconAir with a Windows computer, the following information may be of assistance.

Do you have a wireless network adapter?

1. Click Start | Control Panel or Start > Settings > Control Panel
2. Select System > Hardware tab > Device Manager
3. Under Network Adapters your wireless card should appear.
   1. If it has a yellow exclamation mark, then the drivers are not installed or are not working properly. Reinstall the wireless card drivers.
   2. If it has a red X, then it may be disabled. Right-click on it and select Enable.
   3. If the wireless card is not present in the list of network adapters, then it is possible that the drivers are not installed properly. Reinstall the wireless card drivers.

Do you have the right type of wireless adapter?

The FalconAir wireless network uses the 802.11b/g standards. 802.11b is slower than 802.11g (11 Mbps versus 54 Mbps). Both will work at UW-RF. Other wireless standards (e.g. 802.11a, 802.11n) will not work.

Are you receiving a strong wireless signal?

On Windows XP, hover the mouse over the wireless connection icon in the system tray (lower right of screen). For more information, right-click the wireless connection icon and select “View Available Wireless Networks”. You must be within 100 feet or so of an access point to see a good signal. Wireless signals in the 2.4 GHz band are stopped by metal structures and are affected by brick or cement walls. Try re-orienting your laptop or moving to another location in the room to see if that makes a difference. Windows may not lock on to a weak signal.

Is the IP Address being obtained “automatically” via DHCP?

In the Network Connections control panel, right-click the wireless connection and select Properties. Under the General tab, select TCP/IP then click the Properties button. Select “obtain IP address automatically”and “Obtain DNS server address automatically”. Under the Wireless Networks tab, check the box that says “Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings”

Can you get to the FalconAir login page but not proceed any further?

You may be using the incorrect username or password. You can test your username and password by logging into a computer in one of the computer labs on campus. You can also visit FAA to reset your password.

Microsoft's tips for troubleshooting wireless
Connecting to FalconAir with Windows

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