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Mac OS

 

This article describes how to configure the Mac operating system version 10.5 (also known as Leopard) or version 10.6 (also known as Snow Leopard) to connect to the secure wireless networks available on the PSU campus. 

Requirements

  • Macintosh computer running Mac OS 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 or 10.7.
  • Wireless network card, usually an Airport or Airport Extreme card (standard on all newer Macintoshes) that supports Wireless Protected Access (WPA) encryption. See this Apple article for more information on Apple's support and updates to these cards.
  • An active Odin account, Oregon State or Oregon State University account or a guest wireless account

Steps

  1. Make sure AirPort is turned on by clicking the AirPort menu icon in the upper-right corner of the screen and choosing Turn AirPort On.
  2. From the Airport menu, choose PSU Secure.
  3. You will be prompted to enter your username and password, supply your Odin account and password. Click OK.
  4. You may be prompted to accept the user certificate, type in the username and password you use for your computer.
  5. Click OK.

You should now be connected to the secure wireless network and be able to browse access the internet. From now on, authentication with your Odin credentials will occur in the background.

Troubleshooting

  • If you take too long typing in your credentials, you may receive a Connection timeout error message. Just click OK a second time and it will try again. If this fails, turn AirPort off, wait 10 seconds, turn AirPort back on (from the AirPort menu icon).
  • In some instances, the certificate will not be automatically trusted and each time you connect to the network (such as when you u your laptop in a different part of campus), you will join the network but be prompted to accept the certificate again.
    1. To avoid this prompt each time, instead of hitting the Continue button and choose Show Certificate.
    2. Check the box next to Always trust "radius1.oit.pdx.edu" and click Continue.
    3. It will popup a Username/Password prompt, this is for the account you use on your Mac, NOT your Odin account, type these in and click OK.
  • If you are having problems connecting, you will need to get rid of all the stored connection settings and start over. The following directions describe how to remove all certificates and wireless profiles associated with these networks. If you are uncomfortable with these directions, we recommend you bring the machine to the Help Desk.
    1. Turn off AirPort by clicking on the AirPort menu and choosing Turn AirPort Off.
    2. Remove preferred networks and 802.1x Profile:
      1. Go to the Apple menu (upper-left corner) and click System Preferences, then choose Network
      2. If the padlock symbol in the lower-left corner is in the "locked" position, click it, type in the password you use for your Mac and hit OK
      3. Select Airport from the list on the left so it is highlighted, then click Advanced
      4. Under the Airport tab is the Preferred Network list. Highlight PSU Secure by clicking on it, and hit the -(negative) button to remove it from the list. You will want to remove any PSU networks from this list; it is best to only have one Preferred Network from campus listed so they do not conflict
      5. Now click the 802.1x tab and next to User Profiles click the little arrow so the arrow is pointing down and the profiles are listed
      6. Click on any profile listed and hit the - (negative) button to remove it from the list, repeat until the list is empty
      7. Once all profiles are removed hit OK, you will be at the network preference pane, click the Apply button in the lower-right.
    3. Remove related certificates and stored passwords:
      1. Double click on the Macintosh HD on the desktop to bring up a Finder window.
      2. Click on Applications, then the Utilities Folder.
      3. Launch Keychain Access and authenticate if prompted (your Mac password, NOT Odin)
      4. Under Category click the arrow so that it points down, then choose Application
      5. Highlight any item that says "WPA: <PSU Network>" where <PSU network> is a network you've used at PSU and then hit the Delete (Backspace) key on your keyboard
      6. It will prompt for a password to delete this entry on your first item, use your Mac's credentials. Also remove any Odin login listed, the Kind column will show "Internet Connect.
      7. Quit Keychain Access and attempt to access the wireless network.

Further Assistance

If you are having difficulty accessing the Portland State University wireless network we recommend that you bring your device to the Help Desk in Smith Memorial Student Union room 18 where a technician can troubleshoot your device.

You can also call the Help Desk at 503.725.HELP or email help@pdx.edu for answers to general questions about the network, its operation, or its use.