Computing @ SLAC:
Internet Connection

Instructions for Connecting Your Laptop to the SLAC Visitor Network During the Workshop

SLAC provides a network (SLAC Visitor Network) dedicated for visitors.  Users will be connected to it via DHCP.  Because you will be outside the SLAC firewall you should consider your connection very insecure.  It is the responsibility of users of the Visitor network to protect their communications, e.g. by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).  The visitor network is meant for light casual use and to provide an easy network connection for SLAC visitors, collaborators, conference/meeting attendees, vendor demonstration etc. Do not place mission critical applications on the Visitor network.

We recommend you to use the wireless connection.  Instructions for wireless connection are given below.

• The connection is based on IEEE 802.11b standard running at 2.4GHz.
• The visitor network is available in the auditorium and meeting rooms in the ROB Building.
• No DHCP registration or username/password authentication is needed.
• SLAC's Scientific Computing and Computing Services department (SCCS) will be happy to assist you. Call the Helpdesk, x4357.
• The maximum bandwidth available to a host depends on distance from the access point, attenuation and noise and typically is in the 1-4 Mbits/s. range.
• Below is information on wireless PC cards successfully used at SLAC.  All users reported relative ease of installation and configuration with the exception of Linux.

For Win:  card: Cisco AIR-PCM352 is recommended but D-Link (model DWL-650) works.

For Apple:  Apple Powerbook 2400:  MacOS 9.0.4:  card: Farallon SkyLINE PC Card & drivers.

For Linux:  DELL Latitude:  RH6.2  / 7.x w/v3.1.22  PCMCIA package. kernel 2.2.17:  card: Addtron, AWP-100 Wireless PCMCIA, Version 01.02.

Trouble has been reported in the past on the following combinations: Windows:  card  Linksys Wireless Network PC Card, Model WPC11, used in a Gateway x86 Family 6, Model 8; Windows: Intel card in a Dell Laptop

Set up your laptop and wireless PC card as follows:

• Set the SSID value on your wireless PC card to allow any value (by leaving it blank, usually the default) or set it to the value of "visitor".
• Configure your laptop to use DHCP in the appropriate network configuration window.
• You do not need to register the MAC address of your wireless PC card when connected to the visitor network.  The DHCP server for the visitor network will provide an appropriate network IP address, gateway address, and DNS servers.  Assigned IP addresses are not available on the visitor network
• Be sure to select your wireless PC card in the network configuration window.

Some Problem Areas To Avoid

• Bridging must be turned off or disabled
  hint: for WXP see Network Connections, right click on the wireless adapter. Check for bridging.
• Do not set the Network Type to 'Ad hoc'
  hint: for WXP see Network Connections, right lick on wireless adapter > Properties > Wireless Networks tab > Advanced. Select 'Access point (infrastructure) networks only'.
• Mac laptops - Turn AirPort off setting
  hint: System Preferences > Network > Show: AirPort. Ensure that 'Allow this computer to create networks' is not checked
• Personal access points are not allowed at SLAC.