CU Home
Columbia University Information Technology
Windows XP Ethernet/Wireless Configuration (Summary)

Networking > Windows XP Ethernet/Wireless Configuration (Summary)

Note:If you would like connection guides with screenshots, they are available on the detailed connection guide page.

Setting Up Wired Ethernet

Photo of Ethernet and Telephone Cord Install your Ethernet card according to the manufacturer's directions. Connect your network cable to the ethernet card. Locate your Ethernet jack (it is typically located near your telephone jack but is slightly larger than the telephone jack) and plug in the other end of your network cable. If there are several ethernet jacks, try each one until you find the jack that is enabled. You can test your connection by running a network software program such as Internet Explorer.

Setting Up Wireless Ethernet

  1. Go to a location on campus where wireless networking is available. Check our coverage map for details.

  2. Install Your Wireless Ethernet Card according to the manufacturers directions.

  3. In order to obtain a secure wireless connection through Columbia U Secure, please use these online instructions.

    If you choose not to use a secure wireless connection, click Start, select Control Panel and then double-click on the Network Connections item. Right-click on the Wireless Network Connection item and then select Properties. Click on the Wireless Networks tab. A list of wireless access points appears in the Available Networks box. Under Preferred Networks, click Add. In the Network name (SSID) box, enter Columbia University and then click OK. Click OK again until you exit out of the Network window.
Connection icon showing you're connected
Start up your computer and make sure you are connected by checking the connection icon on the taskbar, shown here.


Configure for DHCP


For more information on DHCP, please see your detailed instructions.

The default configuration that comes with the Operating System is the correct configuration for DHCP. To check this, go to Start then Settings then Control Panel. Select Network, right-click on Local Area Connection and then select Properties. Select TCP/IP protocol and select Properties. Verify that under the General tab, Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected.

Releasing and Renewing your DHCP Lease


Your computer must have an IP (network) address appropriate to your location. If you move your computer from one location to another, you may need to release the current lease and request a new one.
  1. Click Start, click Control Panel, double-click Network Connections, and then double-click Local Area Connection.
  2. Click Disable to release your lease. Disabled is displayed in Local Area Connection. Double-click Local Area Connection to renew your lease. Enabled is displayed in Local Area Connection.