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George Fox University | Offices and Services | Institutional Technology | Wireless Internet Access- Frequently Asked Questions
Wireless Internet Access- Frequently Asked QuestionsUniversity students, faculty and staff are not permitted to install their own network extension equipment. Departments wishing to extend their network connectivity or implement wireless networking should contact the IT Service Desk for assistance.Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I setup my own wireless network?No, setting up wireless access points anywhere on campus is prohibited. If you are interested in finding out what wireless coverage is available in your area, check the wireless map for a current listing. If there is an area that you would like to suggest for future coverage, contact the IT Service Desk.2. What is the wireless network?The wireless network is an extension of the wired network infrastructure, which allows for increased mobility and flexibility for campus network users. The GFU wireless network is built on 802.11 network hardware that is WiFi certified. We have deployed 3 types of wireless networks; 802.11a, b, and g.3. How does it work?The wireless network uses radio waves to send and receive data using use frequencies in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz range.4. What hardware is needed?In order to use the wireless network, a laptop computer or PDA device is needed with an 802.11a, b, or g compatible wireless network card. CAC computers beginning Fall 2003 are equipped with built in wireless cards. Most current laptop computers can be upgraded to use a wireless PCMCIA network card if they don't already have wireless built in.5. What operating systems are compatible?Computer operating systems that have drivers written for them have the capability of using the wireless network on campus. Supported operating systems include: Windows 98, ME, NT 4, 2000, and XP, Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X. Windows XP or Mac OS X are preferred for their relative ease of connecting. Older operating systems may present more hurdles during the connection process.6. What areas of campus are covered?There are many areas on the GFU campuses that currently offer wireless network coverage including Portland, Boise and Newberg. For specific information, view our [link]wireless map[/link].7. What do I need to get online?You'll need the correct hardware, the current encryption key, and a university login name and password.8. How fast is the wireless network?802.11b supports data rates up to 11 megabits per second. However, it is a shared medium (radio waves), and as there are many variables in radio coverage, actual throughput (connection speed) is usually between 2 to 6 megabits per second, as compared to 100 megabits per second for wired Ethernet connections. We also deploy 802.11a and 802.11g access points. These support up to 54 megabits per second data rates with a compatible network card.9. What is the range of a wireless device?The range of a wireless device depends on many factors: radio interference, or "noise", distance from an access point, connection speed, and physical interference. Indoors, the range of a wireless network card is between 50 and 200 feet. Outdoors (line of sight), the range can be up to 1000 feet.10. What is an SSID?SSID stands for Service Set Identity/Identifier. It is a string that represents which wireless network a user is attached to. This is also called the "Network Name" by some vendors.11. What SSID should I use?Your wireless card should be configured to associate to any broadcast wireless SSID automatically (often by leaving the SSID field blank in your client settings). All campus SSIDs begin with "GFU" and end with your campus location. For example, your network card might give you the option of "GFU-Newberg" which would be an available wireless network on the Newberg campus in range of your wireless network card.12. What is WEP?WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy. WEP is an encryption method used with many wireless networks.13. Do we use WEP?Yes, we currently use 128bit WEP encryption. To connect to the GFU wireless network, you will need the WEP key, which will change periodically. Contact the IT Service Desk for the latest key.14. What about security?Wireless network security is a serious issue. Wireless is not only a shared medium, but also a medium that is broadcast via radio waves. Therefore, the data is inherently insecure. In order to protect data, please ensure it is encrypted or protected via a VPN (virtual private network) tunnel connection. Employees that require wireless network connections into the campus network can find VPN software and configuration help by contacting the IT Service Desk or by logging in to Bruindata and clicking on the "Downloads" button.15. Can I setup a wireless device in my residence?It is against IT policy to have non-IT wireless access point devices for several reasons:
16. Do I need a wireless network adapter card for my laptop?Most of the newer laptops issued to students at GFU have a built-in wireless network adapter. If yours does, you don't need anything else. If yours does not, you will need a wireless PCMCIA adapter card for your laptop.17. What Vendor's cards will work with the GFU Wireless networks?We currently recommend the Orinoco Gold 802.11 series cards. These cards have shown the best reception and fewest issues with compatibility with various systems and access points. However, there are many compatible products from many vendors. Make sure it is an 802.11b, b/g, or a/b/g network card that supports 128 bit WEP encryption and is WiFi certified. Look for the WiFi label. For best results on campus make sure your card supports the 802.11b standard. Cards that support the a or g standard only, and not b, will work in most academic buildings but will not be able to connect in most residences.18. What about wireless cards from other manufacturers?IT has tested a variety of common wireless network cards that can be found at local computer stores, and at the George Fox University bookstore.
19. Where should I buy my 802.11 wireless network card?Wireless cards are available from many sources. You can find wireless 802.11 compatible network cards at the GFU bookstores in Newberg and Portland, and at many retail computer stores and online computer resellers. Some computer companies offer products with laptops and handheld computers as an optional feature. As long as the products are compatible with the 802.11 standard and support 128 bit encryption, they should work with the GFU wireless networks, though receptivity may vary.20. What is the basic configuration for a wireless network card on campus?Please refer to the setup pages for more specific instructions. Basic setting are as follows:
21. Do I still need a regular (wired) Ethernet card?Generally, the answer is yes. Most mobile users will want to use their computer on the wired network, where available, in addition to the wireless networks. Although wireless offers a very nice mobile solution, it is a shared medium over radio waves. It is slower, shared, and fundamentally more insecure than wired network connections.Getting Help IT Service Desk (503) 554-2569 servicedesk@georgefox.edu |
This page was last updated 3-29-2008 19:09:44.
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