Listed below are the basic steps to configure the Open iConnectAccess 624W/625W to securely connect a Windows XP computer using WPA-PSK encryption.

Notes about setting up your wireless connection

• Connect the computer with an ethernet cable. Once the wireless setup process has been completed, you can remove the cable.
• Wi-Fi Protected Access - Pre Shared Key (WPA-PSK) is the recommended encryption type. WPA-PSK is the easiest to setup and offers the best security.
  You will need a wireless network card with WPA-PSK support.
• If you don't have a wireless network card installed in the computer, you will need to buy one before you can connect to the Access Point.
• For the strongest signal it is best to place the modem in an open area away from cordless phones, radios, TV sets, power sources or other wireless devices in the home/office. The more obstacles the signal has to pass through the weaker it may become. Double brick walls may also reduce the signal strength considerably.

Configuring your wireless router

Log into the Open iConnectAccess 624W/625W modem/router

1. Open the web browser
2. Enter 192.168.1.254 into the address bar
3. You will be prompted for a username/password. By default, it is username: root password: 0P3N

Configure the Open iConnectAccess 624W/625W modem/router for wireless connectivity

1. Click on the Wireless tab
2. Click on the Setup link on the left menu
3. Enable AP checked
4. SSID type homewireless
5. Wireless Channel: to 6
6. To apply the settings above Click on Apply at the bottom of the page

Wireless Encryption

When building a wireless network, security is a major issue. Internode recommends all access points to use some form of encryption, allowing management of who has access to connect to the wireless network.

WPA-PSK - To enable this feature please follow the steps below:

1. In you modem Wireless configuration page, Click on the Wireless Security tab
2. Select the WPA radio button under Select a Wireless Security level:
3. Select the PSK String radio button
4. In the String field enter a password key of your choice. The key must be a minimum of 8 alpha-numeric characters with no spaces. The key will be case sensitive. Note this key for reference when setting up your Windows XP wireless connection.
5. Click on Apply at the bottom of the page.
6. Click OK when the popup appears with 'Privacy type is set to WPA. Multiple SSID support will be disabled.'
7. To save settings, Click on Save/Restart Menu, then click on the Save All button. The click on OK when the pop appears.
   
8. Once saved, Click on Save/Restart Menu, then click on the Restart Access Point button. The click on OK when the pop appears.
   

Configuring WPA-PSK on Windows XP wireless network cards

Getting to wireless network connections

1. Click on the Start menu
2. Go to Control Panel
3. Double-click on Network Connections. (Ensure you are viewing the Control Panel in Classic View)
4. Single right-click on the Wireless Network Connection and go to Properties

Adding wireless details

1. Select the Wireless Networks tab, and click on Add.
   
2. In Network Name (SSID): type homewireless
3. Network Authentication: to WPA-PSK
4. Data Encryption: to TKIP
5. Use your PSK String for for Network Key and Confirm Network Key Note: Use the same PSK String you have chosen on your modem setup.
6. Click OK to save settings
   *If Network Authentication doesn't offer WPA-PSK but you do have WEP, please click here for our WEP setup guide
   

The wireless connection should automatically connect in a few minutes. Simply unplug the cable and test the service by browsing the Internet using your default browser.

You may need to reboot your modem and your PC.

If you need help setting up your email account, please click here.

If you are having trouble setting up the wireless network or would like to clarify some of the steps, please contact the helpdesk.