The first step in identifying the problem with your wireless connection is to determine at what level the problem is occurring. Problems can be caused by a faulty installation of the wireless adaptor, absence of the appropriate protocols, or improper configuration of the wireless adaptor.
By checking through the following list, you should be able to identify and fix the problem and be able to connect to our wireless Internet service.
If you have opened your web browser but you are not automatically redirected to the log in page, try refreshing the browser by holding down the Shift key and pressing the reload button in the browser. This should force a complete reload of the web browser and if everything else is operating correctly this should bring up the log in page
When you search for available wireless networks, you should be able to tell whether or not you can "see" our wireless network. (screen shot) The network name for our access point is "WickedWiFi-Littleton." You must be in an area that has wireless coverage.
Sometime, Windows will connect to a wireless network automatically when you start your computer. However, if you are in an area where multiple wireless networks are located, you may need to connect manually. Be sure to choose the correct one from the list of available networks.
Once you are connected, you will see a bubble pop up from the taskbar notifying you that you are connected at a certain signal strength. (screen cap) The farther away from the access point you are, the lower the signal strength will be. In order to get a faster connection, you should move closer to the access point, which on Main Street, Littleton it is located on the roof of the Opera House.
If you can associate with the access point then your wireless card is most likely operating correctly.
The obvious way to check this is to look and make sure the wireless adapter is inserted all the way into your computer. If you try to open up the wireless configuration utility when the adapter is not inserted, your computer will give you an error message indicating that the adapter is not present.
Some newer laptops and PDAs are now coming with integrated wireless adapters. If your computer has an integrated wireless adapter, make sure it is turned on. Some manufacturer's configure the wireless adapter to be turned off by default each time the computer is turned on. This saves power while the wireless connection is not in use, which helps extend battery life.
This also applies to external wireless adapters. Make sure that the adapter is turned on in the configuration utility. If the adapter is turned off, select the setting to turn the adapter on.
Wireless networks are becoming popular and this can result in many access points occupying the same physical space. In the wireless adapter configuration utility you are able to choose from a list of available networks. Make sure that you are associated to "WickedWiFi-Littleton" to use our service.
The setting for WEP security should be turned off. The access points we use are not configured for WEP encryption and if you are trying to connect to our access point with WEP enabled, you will not be able to successfully associate.
To connect to our system your wireless adapter has to be Wi-Fi compatible. Compatible hardware will be branded with the Wi-Fi logo. The Wi-Fi Alliance is a trade organization that promotes Wi-Fi technology and tests hardware for interoperability.
To see a list of Wi-Fi compatible hardware go to Wi-Fi.org. If your adapter is not on this list, then you will need to get one that is.
The TCP/IP protocol should be installed, associated with your wireless adapter and configured to obtain the IP address automatically.
TCP/IP is installed by default with your wireless adapter, but to check to make sure the settings are correct, go to Control Panel and then to Network Connections
Right-click on the wireless connection and select Properties
Once in the Properties window, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and then click on Properties
In the next window, in the General tab, make sure that both the IP address and DNS server settings are set to Obtain automatically. Click OK to close the open menus.
One reason for this is that you may have moved too far away from the access point. You have noticed the signal strength of your connection drop from Excellent to Very Good to Good to Low to Very Low. The simple fix is to move closer to the access point and away from possible sources of interference, such as microwaves and portable phones.
Portable phones that operate in the 2.4 GHz range can directly interfere with Wi-Fi networks and in some cases can kill a Wi-Fi connection while in use. The best fix for this is to change out your 2.4 GHz phone(s) with phones in either the 900 MHz or 5 GHz range.
Some manufacturer's include their own software to control the wireless adapter. Also, Microsoft provides software to control your wireless adapter. To enable the Windows wireless adapter software, open the site survey window and click on "change advanced setting."
Then click the Wireless Network tab on the next window that comes up next. Check the box labeled "use windows to configure my wireless network setting" .This will put the Windows software in control of you wireless adapter. At that point, it's all about Windows.
For telephone tech support, call the folks at Notchnet at: 603-444-0700
We're doing our best to figure it out, so we'll try and help or learn along the way with you.
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Wicked Wi-Fi, Inc.
Littleton, NH 03561
603-444-0700
