Overview

The 802.1x protocol is the protocol that is used for wired access to the University's network (PittNet) through publicly accessible network ports. These connections may be located in classrooms, conference rooms, or other public areas. 

Before you manually configure your computer, be sure to install the required InCommon certificates using the steps in the help sheet titled Installing the InCommon and UserTrust Certificates (Windows).

Section 1 - Enable the Wired Auto Config Service

Be sure you have connected your computer to the network port with an Ethernet cable before you begin the steps below.

1. Click the Start menu and select Control Panel.

Note: In Control Panel, set View by: to Large Icons.

2. Click Administrative Tools.

3. Click Services.

4. Right-click on Wired AutoConfig and select Properties.

5. Set Startup type to Automatic.

6. Click on Start and wait for the service to start.

7. Click Apply, then click OK.

Section 2 - Configure the Native 802.1x Client

Set the Local Area Connection to be the Priority Connection

1. Click the Start menu and select Control Panel.

2. Click Network and Sharing Center.

3. Click Change adapter settings.

4. Press the Alt key to activate the menu bar.

5. Select Advanced from the menu bar, then 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

Note: Before beginning the steps in the rest of this document, unplug your Ethernet cable from your computer.

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

2. Click Configure.

3. Click the Advanced tab and set the Ethernet card Link Speed & Duplex settings to 100 Mbps Full Duplex.

Note: The option in the Property field may be named Link Speed & Duplex or just Speed & Duplex.

4. In the Advanced tab, set Priority and VLAN settings to Priority & VLAN Disabled.

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

6. Click OK to save your changes.

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

1. Install the required InCommon certificates using the steps in the help sheet titled Installing the InCommon and UserTrust Certificates (Windows).

2. Click the Start menu and select Control Panel. Click Network and Internet, then click Network and Sharing Center.

3. Click Change adapter settings on the left-hand side of the window.

4. Right-click Local Area Connection and select Properties.

5. Under This connection uses the following items, check the following:

• Client for Microsoft Networks
• File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
• Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
• Leave the remaining options unchecked

6. Click the Authentication tab and select the following settings:

• Enable IEEE 802.1x authentication is checked
• Choose a network authentication method should be set to PEAP
• Remember my credentials... is unchecked
• Click the Settings button next to Choose a network authentication method

7. Enter the following settings:

• Validate Server Certificate is checked
• Connect to these servers is checked and set to ias.cssd.pitt.edu
• USERTrust RSA Certification Authority is checked under Trusted Root Certification Authorities
• Do not prompt user to authorize... is checked
• Select Authentication Method is set to Secured password (EAP-MSCHAP v2)
• Enable fast reconnect is checked
• Click Configure next to Select Authentication Method

8. Uncheck the box next to Automatically use my Windows logon name and password (and domain if any) and click OK.

9. Click OK.

10. Click OK.

11. Plug your Ethernet cable to your computer and then click the Additional information is needed bubble at the bottom of the screen.

12. Enter your University Computing Account username and password and click OK.

Get Help

The 24/7 IT 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 online.