Using the Wireless Network in SC

The College of Engineering wireless network, like the University wireless network, runs on the 2.4 GHz band. The University has designated that the 2.4 GHz band gets priority for networking. You cannot operate cordless phones, a web cameras, or any other device that runs in the 2.4GHz or 5GHz spectrums on campus. (See campus policy.)

The wireless access points (APs) in the Seamans Center support the 802.11a, b, and g standards; the a and g standards are faster (54 megabits per second or Mbps) and more secure (supports Wireless Protected Authentication or WPA) than the b (11 Mbps) standard. The campus supports the 802.11b and g standards.

Where

The wireless network installed and maintained by CSS in SC covers all general assignment classrooms as well as the student commons, the 2nd floor entry foyer, and the Engineering Library.

On Campus

If you want to use wireless connections on campus but outside the Seamans Center, see the ITS wireless pages.

What You Need

To use the wireless network, you must have an Engineering computer account (or a Hawk ID), a computer configured to use DHCP, and a wireless network card that supports the a, b, or g standard. Configure your wireless card so the SSID or network ID is any or engr-wireless (all lower case).

Supported Clients

If you have an Intel card, use the Intel PROSet setup. If you have any other card, use the Windows Wireless setup. For help, please see the consultants in 1253 SC, 335-5055. Information on using your Hawk ID is included in each of the setup information pages below.

Windows Wireless

Intel PROSet

Visitors

Visitors who want to use the wireless network in the Seamans Center must have PC or Macintosh with a wireless card that supports 128-bit encryption. A Macintosh needs OS X. A PC must be running Windows XP (SP2), though the specific wireless card may include the necessary drivers for a different Windows version. If you need a wireless card of the right sort, you can buy one in the Engineering Electronics Shop, 2018 SC, for about $30.00. In addition to this hardware, visitors must also get a guest ID from CSS.

Being Blocked?

If we detect that your computer using the wireless or public ports is infected, your computer will be placed on a block list. If you are on the block list, the next time you try to use the wireless or public port network in SC, you will be blocked and unable to complete the connection.

If you are blocked, bring your computer to the consulting office, 1253 SC, between 8am-9pm Monday-Thursday or 8am-5pm Friday. A consultant will scan and disinfect your computer and will report that cleaning to CSS staff, who will remove you from the block list and so allow your connections.

Users who repeatedly get infected may be charged an escalating fee for disinfecting the computer.

Problems, Help

For help setting up your wireless connection or using the wireless network, please see the consultants, 1253 SC, 335-5055.

If you use the wireless network and notice gaps in the areas covered, please report those to CSS, 335-5751, 1256 SC. For information about security on a home wireless network, read Wireless: What To Know.

updated: 8 February 2007