Takes long time to access authentication page

Question

Level 1

8 points

Takes long time to access authentication page

I go to UC Berkeley where the wireless access is managed by Vernier connections. In order to access the internet, you must connect to the wireless network and open your browser. You will be directed to a page where it is necessary to enter in your student identification number and password. Until recently, everything has been working smoothly. However, now when I try to access the internet it is taking a signifcantly long time for the authentication page to appear. I haven't changed any net work settings so I'm not sure what the problem is. Once I finally get to the page and enter in my student ID I am able to browse at normal speeds. Does anyone know what's wrong?

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Sep 14, 2006 1:17 PM

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Answer 1

jomiku

Level 4

1,126 points

Sep 14, 2006 8:34 PM in response to RushZeeman

Sounds like they have a network problem. Contact your sysadmin. They might be serving up that page slowly. There might be an interference source - I'm assuming this happens in one place, not everywhere. If you're the only one with the problem, they might go over some settings with you. But you need to talk to them.

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Answer 2

RushZeeman Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 14, 2006 9:09 PM in response to RushZeeman

It's a problem no matter where I am on campus and trying to connect and it's probably just me since in class I can see everyone else connecting (including those using macs) just fine. Any idea what setting of mine might have gotten messed up? It's not like it's not working, it's just taking a long time.

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Answer 3

Sep 14, 2006 9:19 PM in response to RushZeeman

RushZeeman,

I absolutely hate those network "web access" gateways. In my experience, they are nothing but trouble.

When this occurs, try using a different browser (Firefox would be a good choice). If the gateway page loads quickly with the other browser, then the problem is probably with Safari. Try emptying Safari's cache. If that doesn't do it, also try removing any cookies that have been set by the gateway server.

Scott

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Answer 4

RushZeeman Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 28, 2006 11:20 AM in response to Scott Radloff

Alright, I installed Firefox and it works just fine. While this is a good temporary solution, I prefer Safari over Firefox and would like this problem solved. I cleared the history and emptied the cache but it was to no avail. I don't recall messing with any of Safari's settings and it certainly seems to be me since all my friends with Macs are working just fine using Safari. Perhaps it has something to do with encryption?

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Answer 5

matt_156

Level 1

35 points

Sep 28, 2006 11:22 AM in response to RushZeeman

When connecting to servers, do you connect at a time, alot of other people are likily to be trying to connect? Is the server going to be under pressure at this time of day, its could be a everyone prints on a friday type of thing.

Matt

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Answer 6

RushZeeman Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 28, 2006 11:33 AM in response to matt_156

I'm not connecting to a server but a wireless connection. The details of the connection are at http://airbears.berkeley.edu. I don't think it has anything to do with connecting but something is messed up in my Safari. My firefox works fine and everyone in my lecture (I'm in lecture) seems to be connecting flawlessly...

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Answer 7

matt_156

Level 1

35 points

Sep 28, 2006 11:36 AM in response to RushZeeman

Uninstall safiri and download it again, if your not connecting at all check your Web proxies, ports if your connecting slowly, or having a slow connection speed, chances are everyone is running at the same speeds.

Best thing to do would be go to talk to your UNI Network Managerk, he/she will know there hardware and be able to offer better advice.

Matt.

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