Networking & Security

References

Please refer to the documents listed. They have been updated to include all possible approved network and security scenarios for working with host-provided computer networks for Tax-Aide.

1. N02 - Network Design Guide

2. N05 Site Network Requirements

3. R00a Router Selection and Support Guide

4. NTSC Router Survey - for Technical Coordinators (TC) Use, ONLY

Special Notes

If the site does not allow us to connect our AARP router to their network, ask if they can provide us with a private password-protected network solely for AARP Tax-Aide use. Then:

Ask the site for an identical range of DHCP addresses as our standard range (168.192.234.100-199). If they can do that, then our standard printer (192.168.234.50) can hook up and the pre-installed standard printer in the CB will work as if it were using our router.

If they cannot, whatever printer is mounted does not have to be added to the CB. Volunteers can use whatever printer the CB finds on the network when they try to print as all the printers on our private network, by definition, belong to Tax-Aide.

PLEASE STRESS TO YOUR VOLUNTEERS:  if we use a SHARED site private network shared with non-AARP people: printing MUST be only done via a USB-connected printer.

If you have any questions, please work with your or a neighboring district's Technology Coordinator (TC) to get this right, or escalate it to your state Technical Specialist (TCS).

Prioritize the Default Wi-Fi Network on Chromebook

Make sure your Chromebook stays connected to your default site wireless Network (SSID: ME1 D0x) to prevent switching between available networks - especially in the middle of tax return preparation.

• Click the Time in the bottom-right corner to open the system tray.

• Select the Wi-Fi icon to view available networks.

• Click Settings ⚙️ in the top-right of the Wi-Fi popup.

• In the Wi-Fi settings, find the site router SSID under Known networks.

• Connect to your sites default router SSID.

• Click the three-dot menu ⋮ and select Set as preferred.

  • This ensures that the Default network SSID is the ONLY one that connects automatically.

• Under Known networks, find the other network SSIDs.

• Click the three-dot menu ⋮ next to each one it and choose Forget.

  • This deletes their password, resets preference and 

  • Even if other SSIDs appear, they are no longer able to connect automatically.