Wireless laptops and connecting to domain

[LuckyTaxi]

We have 6 laptops that have wireless capability. In order to log onto the domain, one has to log on as a local user on the laptop to establish a connection and then log off and back onto the domain with their username/password. When we tried to log onto the domain upon booting up the laptop, it tells us the domain isnt available. I guess that's because a connection to the network hasnt been established.

 

[nweaver]

check options in the manufacturer utility. Most can connect to check credentials. If you can, use LEAP, or EAP-Fast. Either can be configured to use the login credentials, and start when the user attempts to login.

So then the process is: User types in UN/PW at windows login box, hits enter. Wireless utility take the UN/PW (and domain, if specified) and checks the radias server (can be the domain controller, if setup correctly). Radius replies with "yes" to the wireless card, and connection is established. then windows passes the UN/PW to the domain controller to allow login to the laptop.

You could also use EAP-TLS, which is certificate based, so that you don't have to setup each user on the radius server.

 

[ktwebb]

Are you using a third party utility? Sounds like it. XP's zero config util is a service and runs as the machine loads the OS, before the login screen, thus you already have connectivity. If your running an application that doesn't run as a service then your stuck. It needs a user to be logged in to launch.

 

[LuckyTaxi]

Nope ... not using any third party. I did a search on google and other folks are having the same problem. It seems it wont work unless I implement a RADIUS server and some other stuff. Way overboard for our setup.