Contents
Background
Verizon Wireless sells a broadband service that can be accessed via a special adapter for your notebook computer. This is the same broadband service that can be accessed by some smart phones and PDAs.
This document explains how to use the broadband adapter and software in your notebook.
Using VZAccess Manager
1. Make sure the broadband adapter is inserted. Find the icon on your desktop and double-click.
Q. Why do I have to run it? Can't it start with my computer?
A. Your computer has three ways to connect to the Internet: Ethernet, wireless, and Verizon broadband. This software is helpful only with the latter. There is no need to run VZAccess Manager when connecting via Ethernet or normal wireless.
2. We've marked three important items within Manager's window.
3. Single-click the Connect button.
4. A warning screen may open. It says that you may incur charges for the BroadbandAccess connection. You do not need to worry about the charges. A monthly subscription fee makes this warning irrelevant. You may check the "do not show" box before clicking the Continue button.
5. A new window opens to indicate that you are connected.
6. An icon in the notification tray indicates a connection.
7. You are now connected to the Internet and can run a browser like Internet Explorer or Firefox.
Beyond the Internet: Cisco VPN and Outlook
Verizon Broadband connects you to the Internet. Don't stop there. If you run Cisco VPN next, then you can securely connect to Datastor and you can use Microsoft Outlook with all of the Exchange features.
Employees who are expected to use the Verizon connections should already have VPN installed. If not, please submit a help ticket or contact the help desk.
Assuming you already have Cisco VPN installed, follow these steps to connect:
1. Click the Start VPN button.
2. If you are asked the following configuration question, click Yes.
3. Choose "Cisco VPN Client" and "Skidmore" for the profile before clicking OK.
4. Log into VPN as you normally would with Ethernet or wireless.
5. Once VPN is connected, you will see the lock icon in the notification tray.
6. Now you can use Outlook in the full Exchange mode just as you would on campus.
Disconnect from VPN and Verizon Broadband
1. If VPN is connected, click the Stop VPN button.
2. Disconnect from Verizon Broadband by clicking the Disconnect button (only after stopping VPN).
How to Safely Remove the VPN Card from Your Notebook
1. Disconnect VPN and Verizon Broadband and close the VZAccess Manager window.
2. Find the Safely remove hardware icon in the notification tray.
3. Double-click that icon. Do not single-click.
4. The following window opens. Highlight NEC PCI to USB Open Host Controller and click Stop.
5. When this window opens, highlight either NEC PCI to USB Open Host Controller and click OK.
6. When the device is fully stopped and ready to be removed, this message appears.
7. You may now remove the broadband PC card.
Do not grab the antenna which is a lumpy area on the end of the card. You can damage the card if you pull the antenna.
Grasp the edges of the card to pull it out.
8. As an alternative to stopping the card in Windows, you may turn off the computer and remove the card when it has no power.
Weak Signal Strength and Microsoft Outlook
Once connected, you can check the signal strength indicator in the VZAccess Manager window. The more bars you see, the stronger the signal and the faster the connection.
This is a weak signal and therefore a slow connection. Notice there is only one dark bar out of four.
Microsoft Outlook notices that you have a very slow speed due to the weak signal and it changes its own functionality. With a high speed connection, Outlook can show you an entire message in the preview pane. With a slow connection, Outlook saves overhead by showing partial messages. If you click Download the rest of this message now, you can retrieve the entire message.
When you are in an area with better signal strength, Outlook will notice the improved speed and full messages will download.
This page is maintained by Brien G. Muller
IT Help Desk, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY
Revised 02/19/2007