Technology Help Desk

412 624-HELP [4357]

http://technology.pitt.edu

Configuring the Windows Vista Native 802.1x Client for a Wired Connection
Overview
The 802.1x protocol is the protocol that is used for wired access to the University’s network (PittNet) through publically accessible
network ports. These connections may be located in classrooms, conference rooms, and other public areas. Since authentication with
University Computing Account credentials is required, only members of the University Community have access to PittNet through
these network ports.

This document provides 802.1x network connection instructions for Windows Vista computers using a wired University connection.
These instructions are divided into two sections. The first section explains how to enable the Wired Auto Config Service. The second
section describes how to set up the native 802.1x client in Vista.

Section 1 – Enable the Wired Auto Config Service

1. Click the Start menu and select Control Panel.

Note: Be sure the Control Panel is in Classic View.

2. Select Administrative Tools.

3. Select Services.

4. Right click on Wired AutoConfig and select Properties.

File: Configuring Windows Vista Native 802.1x for Wired Page 1 of 7 Rev: 0.2
5. Set Startup type: to Automatic and click OK.

6. Restart the computer.

Section 2 – Configure the Native 802.x Client

Set the Local Area Connection to be the Priority Connection

1. Click the Start menu and select Control Panel.

Note: Be sure the Control Panel is in Classic View.

2. Select Network and Sharing Center.

3. Select Manage network connections.

File: Configuring Windows Vista Native 802.1x for Wired Page 2 of 7 Rev: 0.2
4. Press the Alt key to activate the menu bar.

5. Click the Advanced menu and select Advanced Settings.

6. Below Connections, use the Up Arrow to move the Local Area Connection to the top of the list.

7. Click OK.

Modify the Ethernet Card Speed and Power Management

1. You should still be in Network Connections. Right click on the Local Area Connection and then select Properties.

2. Click Configure.

File: Configuring Windows Vista Native 802.1x for Wired Page 3 of 7 Rev: 0.2
3. Click the Advanced tab and set the ethernet card Speed & duplex settings to 100 Mbps Full Duplex.

4. Click the Power Management tab and uncheck the box next to “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

5. Click OK to save your changes.

Make Additional Changes to the Local Area Connection Properties and Connect to PittNet

1. Right click on the Local Area Connection and then select Properties.

File: Configuring Windows Vista Native 802.1x for Wired Page 4 of 7 Rev: 0.2
2. Make sure that only the following three boxes are checked under “The connection uses the following items.”
• Client for Microsoft Networks
• File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
• Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)

3. Click the Authentication tab.

4. Ensure the box is checked next to Enable IEEE 802.1x authentication. The authentication method should be set to Protected
EAP (PEAP). Ensure the box is checked next to Cache user information for subsequent connections to this network. Click
the Settings button.

File: Configuring Windows Vista Native 802.1x for Wired Page 5 of 7 Rev: 0.2
5. In the Protected EAP Properties window, ensure that the “Validate server certificate” box is not checked. The “Select
Authentication Method” should be set to Secure Password (EAP-MSCHAP v2). Click the Configure button.

6. Uncheck the box next to “Automatically use my Windows logon name and password (and domain if any).” Click OK.

7. Click OK to exit the Protected EAP Settings window.

8. Click OK to exit the Local Area Network Connection Properties window.

9. Now the computer will authenticate to the network. A pop-up message will display near the tray prompting you that more
information is needed to authenticate to the network. Click within this pop-up message.

10. A window will now appear prompting you for your login credentials. Type your User name and Password. A Logon domain is
not needed. Click OK.

File: Configuring Windows Vista Native 802.1x for Wired Page 6 of 7 Rev: 0.2
11. The computer will now authenticate to the network. Once it has successfully authenticated, the network connectivity icon in the

tray will display a small globe.

Note for Subsequent PittNet Connections

Upon logging into Vista, you should wait about 30 seconds at the Vista Welcome screen due to domain controllers not loading
immediately at startup. If you enter Windows too quickly, Windows will not automatically authenticate you to the network and
you will have to manually authenticate by opening the LAN Connection Properties, choosing the Authenticate tab, and
clicking OK. You would then enter your login credentials.

Get Help
The Technology Help Desk at 412 624-HELP [4357] is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your technology-
related questions. Questions can also be submitted via the Web at technology.pitt.edu.

File: Configuring Windows Vista Native 802.1x for Wired Page 7 of 7 Rev: 0.2