How to get on the UCD wireless network

Last Updated: 24/07/09

Wireless internet access in UCD

Wireless access to the UCD network is available campus wide in all the main buildings and in the student residences. For exact locations of our wireless hotspots please click here

Making a Connection

To use the UCD wireless network on your PC you will need to do the following:

Step 1: Ensure you have a wireless network card for your laptop. The card must be installed using the software which accompanies it. Cards can be purchased from any computer accessories supplier

Step 2: All laptops must have the correct anti-virus and security software installed before connection to the University's Network

Step 3: Check that your web browser options are set to automatically detect settings and are not manually configured to use any other internet settings you may use elsewhere. Configure your browser as follows:

For Internet Explorer

Go to Tools / Internet Options / Connections / Lan Settings
Click option to 'Automatically detect settings'
Click 'OK' twice to return to your browser
If this does not work with your laptop, choose 'Use Automatic configuation script' and enter http://proxy.ucd.ie/proxy.pac

For Firefox

Go to Tools / Options / General or / Tools / General / Network (Depending on the version of Firefox)
Go to Connections / Connection settings
Click option to 'Auto-detect proxy settings for this network'
Click 'OK' twice to return to your browser
If this does not work with your laptop, choose 'Use Automatic proxy configuation URL' and enter http://proxy.ucd.ie/proxy.pac

For Apple Macs

Go to the Apple Logo (top left)/System Preferences/Network
Click on AirPort (in the left menu)/Advanced
Click on the proxies tab
Choose 'Using a PAC file' from the Configure Proxies drop-down menu
In the PAC file URL box enter the following http://proxy.ucd.ie/proxy.pac
Click OK/Apply, close System Preferences

Confirming Connection

Windows

Once you see the green wireless icon at the bottom of your laptop screen, you have a connection. If you do not get a connection to the network, right click on the wireless icon and select ‘View Available Networks’. Select ‘WaveLAN Network’ and click ‘Yes’ to connect. (Note: These options may vary depending on your laptop.)

Mac

Once you see the black wireless icon at the top of your laptop screen you have a connection. If you do not get a connection to the network, click on the wireless icon and select ‘WaveLAN Network’. (Note: If the wireless icon shows a low signal then this may prevent connection to the network.)