(last updated 10/15/2004)
Q. What kind of network card do I need in my laptop or PDA in order to use wireless networking on campus?
Even though 802.11b and 802.11g wireless network adapters may be compatible, SMCCD will not guarantee your adapter will work with our network. We have successfully tested adapters from Cisco, 3COM, Intel, Dell, Netgear and Apple.
Q. Do I need a specific IP address or DNS or gateway server configured for this to work?
No. Your IP address will be assigned automatically by our DHCP server.
Q. Do I need to login with a username or password to use the wireless network?
No. Once your wireless network card is configured correctly, it will recognize our access point and you will have access to Internet.
Q. Can I print from the wireless network?
No. The best solution to this problem if you must print immediately is to transfer your document to a floppy or USB flash drive and bring the disk or drive to a computer lab on campus for printing.
Q. Can I do email over the wireless network?
If you are using web-based mail, then the answer is yes. For security reasons many non-standard Internet ports are blocked on the wireless network, so non-web-based email may not work. We recommend that you do not try to download large email attachments or run streaming media over the wireless network.
Q. Is the wireless network just as fast as the wired network?
"Just as fast" is a vague term. It could be that for simple operations, like browsing web pages, that the wireless network will be just as fast as the wired network, but there is much more bandwidth available to the wired network than the wireless one.
Q. What is the maximum bandwidth available over a wireless connection?
With 802.11b the maximum possible is 11 Mbs and with 802.11g the maximum is 54Mbs. Actual bandwidth may vary greatly depending on factors such as: network adapter, local building materials, proximity to access points, etc.
Q. Does it matter how many people are using the wireless network at one time?
Yes. The more active users there are on the same wireless network, the slower it will work. They share the available bandwidth, so it depends on what they are all doing. A single access point should be able to handle about 30 connected users without becoming too sluggish, unless they are all attempting some high bandwidth operation.
Q. Can I set up my own Access Point on campus?
Absolutely not! This is a violation of our telecommunications usage policy. Unauthorized Access Points are subject to being confiscated. Unauthorized APs may adversely impact service for the entire network!
Q. Will I experience interference or disruptions on the wireless network?
It is possible. The wireless network operates at the 2.4GHz radio frequency range, the same range used by mobile phones, microwave ovens and other rf devices. Large physical barriers, like steel reinforced walls, will cause interference.
Q. What is "roaming"?
A wireless computer can "roam" from one access point to another, depending on the strength of signal coming from the access point. Your wireless network card will negotiate the best connection, and move from one access point to another transparently.
Q. Are wireless communications between client computers and access points encrypted?
No. They are open, non-encrypted, and could potentially be intercepted. Use the network with this understanding.
Q. Do I need a WEP key in order access the wireless network?
No. The network is open to all users without a special login or account.
Q. Who can I contact if I am having trouble connecting?
SMCCD cannot assist with Wireless configuration on a user's laptop or other devices. We ask that you consult the user manual that came with your Wireless adaptor for configuration information
Q. Is 802.11a supported?
No.
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