No Network Connectivity on a Laptop

Tags staff faculty

While most classrooms have wireless network connectivity, wired connections guarantee faster speeds, more reliable connections and fewer glitches. Most lecterns have either a network cable or an open jack to plug in laptops with ethernet ports.

Connect to the wired network

  1. Shut down the laptop (Windows Start Button> Shutdown).
    • Windows: Sign out. From the Sign In screen, click the power icon in the lower right and select Shut down.
    • Apple: Click the Apple menu icon and select Shut Down.
  2. Plug the network cable securely into the laptop. Connect video and sound cables.
  3. Start the laptop.
  4. If prompted, sign in with your NetID and password.
  5. Retry the network connection.
  6. If the wired connection still does not work, try connecting to the wireless network.

Connect to the wireless network

  1. Shut down the laptop (Windows Start Button> Shutdown).
    • Windows: Sign out. From the Sign In screen, click the power icon in the lower right and select Shut down.
    • Apple: Click the Apple menu icon and select Shut Down.
  2. Unplug the network cable from the laptop before proceeding.
  3. Start the laptop. After boot, attempt to visit a website.
  4. Turn on the laptop's wireless transmitter or radio. This process varies by laptop model and may require a hardware switch, function key combination or software application.
  5. Check the wireless signal strength indicator ("number of bars"); this signal may be too weak in particular areas.
  6. Verify the network connection settings configuration for the university's wireless network: tu-secure.
  7. If the wireless connection still does not work, try the wired connection.

Workaround

  • Use the lectern computer instead of the laptop.
  • Media players and document cameras function without network access; use these to play video content or display textbook pages.

Additional Notes

  • Know your classroom before your first class and test your laptop before you need to use it. If you have problems, work with your department's technology provider to get your laptop working.
  • You may need to bring your own network cable if the classroom uses a cable cubby. Verify this with your department.
     
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