Need quick wireless assistance - connecting to school network

[Telexen]

Situation:
My University offers a wireless network connection for laptops to all students [who pay for a computer acount]. I have an account, and have gone to the Help Desk department and given them my wireless NIC's (Netgear WG511) MAC address.

I was a little worried because they never took neither my name, my student ID, or an email address. They're supposed to email people the 40/64bit encrypted key once they add the MAC address; but for obvious reasons I got no such email.

That's not such a big deal, because my friend forwarded me the email he was sent - which is okay, because the help desk told him the key 4 days before he got his email.

Problem:
I've set my wireless software up to use the encrypted key and connect to the SSID using the profile option so I can switch between my home wireless connection and the school. My home connects (using 128bit encryption) just fine, but when I go to school and try to connect - the software tells me it's connected at 11mbps (excellent signal) - but it won't pick up an IP.

Would it even say I'm connected if my MAC address wasn't added to their access list? I went down to the Help Desk to try to get it straightened out, but I have to setup an appointment (which I did), and finding out it's going to cost me $10/hour to get assistance is ticking me off.

So again, I would just like to know if it's possible they didn't add my MAC address - but I'm still getting a signal.

[rpertusio]

It is absolutely possible that you are getting 'connected' without your MAC address added in the system. Although you can be picking up a signal, your internet would not be functional.

- rp

so your trying to access the wireless using your friends wep key? am i reading that correct? i tried on my linksys router, and if the mac address wasnt added into the router (mac address filtering) i wouldnt even get a signal.

i assume your school is set up to DHCP?

you make sure the laptop has the right settings?

[Telexen]

it's a "public" key ... they use it just for the encryption. I'm sure if I had gone to the Help Desk and asked they would have given it to me.

They are set to use DHCP as far as I know, I've asked my friend about the process of setting his up - all he had to do was add the SSID and set the encryption/key settings.

I am going to go to school Monday with a fresh format and just the drivers installed (no settings) in an attempt to confirm it's not conflicting with my home network settings.

I do know that I've tried to simulate this with my wireless access point using 128bit encryption - but I'm not sure it's the same with 64bit.

[Telexen]

Just thought I'd update this for anyone who might have the same problem in the future

...they never added my MAC address

[rpertusio]

Originally posted by Telexen
...they never added my MAC address

You might want to thank them with a dumptruck of old rotting fish!
(Disclaimer: You won't hold me responsible)

Thanks for the followup!
- rp