Connect Using Internet Explorer

Follow these instructions in order to connect to GWireless.. Please note that these instructions are geared toward users who wish to use Internet Explorer. If you are using Firefox or another Mozilla based browser, please see Connect to GWireless using Firefox.

Step 1: Connect your computer to GWireless

You must first be physically located near a GWireless access point location. In most cases, your computer will display a small wireless icon in the system tray, and will alert you when your computer has successfully connected to GWireless, as shown below.

A list of GWireless access point locations is available at http://helpdesk.gwu.edu/gwireless/index.html.

Step 2: Open a web browser

Open Internet Explorer.. Your home page should be replaced by the GWireless setup web page. Under Students, select click here to log into GWireless which will direct you to the GWireless Login page.

Step 3: Log in to GWireless

Log in using your GW NetID (your GW email address without the '@gwu.edu') and password and click Sign In.

Step 4: Software Installation & Configuration

After you have successfully logged into GWireless, the system will install a small client on your computer. This process may take several minutes to complete, and may require permission to install certain files on your computer. On most computers using Internet Explorer, users will be prompted with a bar across the top of their browser window asking for permission to install an ActiveX control. If you see an ActiveX installation notice, right click on the bar and select “Install ActiveX Control from the menu.”

On a small number of computers where ActiveX has been disabled, the GWireless system may attempt to install the VPN software via an alternate method. If this is the case, you may see a window similar to the ones displayed below. Please click Yes or Always if you encounter these windows during GWireless set up:

Additionally, if you are using a client firewall such as Symantec Client Security, you will need to permit as many as 3 programs to access the internet through your firewall.

During some stages of installation, you will see a box similar to the one shown below. This is normal, and will be displayed while the system is performing actions that do not require any user interaction:

Step 5: Installation Completion & Program Usage

Once the installation process has completed, you will be directed to a new web page where the Network Connect client will be launched.

You may close the web page if you wish, but DO NOT choose Exit or Sign Out on the Network Connect client, or you will terminate your GWireless session.

Once the Network Connect client has successfully launched, you will have full access to the internet.

While you are connected to GWireless, the Network Connect icon will be displayed in your computer’s system tray.

When you are ready to end your session, simply click the Sign Out button in the Network Connect window. You can also right-click on the system tray icon and select Sign Out or Exit.