Northern Illinois University

Information Technology Services

WPA Configuration on Mac OS 10.3

To connect to NIUNet you will need to be using Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther). Older versions of Mac OS X are not supported. Panther users will need to have at least version 3.3 of the Airport software. Run Software Update to check this.

  1. Go to your Applications folder and launch Internet Connect
  2. Select the 802.1X tab at the top of the Internet Connect window.
    Internet Connect window
  3. Ensure that Airport is selected as your Network Port. Enter your ZID and password for the respective User Name and Password fields. For Wireless Network, enter NIUwireless.
    802.1x Window example
  4. From the Configuration pull-down menu select Edit Configurations. You will be asked to save your configuration. Save it as NIUwireless and Click OK.
    Connection name window example
  5. A sheet will roll down with the settings you previously entered as well as several authentication options to choose from. Uncheck them all except PEAP. Click OK to save your changes.
    Advanced config example
  6. Click Connect to connect to NIUwireless.
  7. When you connect for the first time, you will receive a warning message that says, "Authentication failed because the server certificates are not trusted" Click View Certificates
    Certificate authorization example
  8. A window will open that displays the certificates for NIUwireless Click Accept All to save them to your Mac.
    Certificate window
  9. You should now be connected to NIUwireless.

Note: To reconnect to NIUwireless, select it from the Airport menu in your menu bar. If you don't see the menu bar, you can enable it System Preferences > Network > Airport. Make sure to check Show Airport status in menu bar.