OIT Help Desk

Wireless Internet Access

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana State University’s Wireless Network

  1. What does it mean to say that the campus is "wireless"?
  2. Does/will the wireless network replace the wired network?
  3. Where can I use wireless?
  4. How does the wireless network work?
  5. Are students/faculty/staff required to use the wireless network?
  6. Why would I want to use the wireless network?
  7. Do I have to purchase special equipment to access the wireless network?
  8. Should I purchase a wireless card or a 10BaseT Ethernet card?
  9. Can I use wireless from home?
  10. How do I install wireless on my laptop?

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  1. What does it mean to say that the campus is "wireless"?
    The wireless network at Indiana State University allows laptop computers and some Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) to connect to the campus network using wireless/radio frequency technology rather than by the traditional Ethernet card. The wireless network supports the 802.11b/g. The campus wireless network does not support cellular technologies.
  2. Does/will the wireless network replace the wired network?
    No. The wireless network is offered as an added service, primarily for laptop users. The wireless network is connected to the wired network at designated locations throughout the campus. The wired network will offer performance speeds beyond the capabilities of the wireless network. Desktop systems will use the wired network. Use of the wireless network is entirely optional.
  3. Where can I use wireless?
    As of August 2009, all academic buildings and residence halls are wireless.
  4. How does the wireless network work?
    Devices called "access points" (AP's) are installed at various locations on campus. These access points are connected to the wired network. A wireless card, similar to an Ethernet card is installed in your laptop. Some laptops come with this wireless card already built in. The wireless card in your laptop uses radio frequencies to communicate with the access point, and through it to the campus network and the Internet.
  5. Are students/faculty/staff required to use the wireless network?
    No. Use of the wireless network is completely optional. It is provided as an additional method of connecting to the Indiana State University network.
  6. Why would I want to use the wireless network?
    The advantage of the wireless network is that it provides mobility. Using a wireless card in your laptop allows you to access the ISU network from locations that do not have traditional network connections, such as common areas, lounges and the outdoors. It can be used while doing research in the library. It can be used to connect to the network during a meeting in a conference room or from a classroom if these locations are within reception range.
  7. Do I have to purchase special equipment to access the wireless network?
    Yes. You need to purchase a wireless card for your laptop to connect to the wireless network, or you need to make sure you purchase a laptop with an internal wireless card meeting the 802.11b/g specification. The Office of Information Technology currently recommends wireless network cards from the following vendors:
    http://wi-fi.org/knowledge_center/insist-on-wifi-certified/

    You do not need to purchase an access point. The Office of Information Technology provides access points. The use of Airports is not permitted. The use of other access points is strongly discouraged, as they may interfere with the functioning of the campus wireless network. Please contact the Office of Information Technology to request wireless network access.
  8. Should I purchase a wireless card or a 10BaseT Ethernet card?
    It depends. In general, if you plan to purchase only one card for your laptop to access the network, a traditional Ethernet card is recommended.

    At this time, the wireless network does not cover all campus locations. For example, the residence halls do not have wireless capabilities. If you plan to use your laptop in areas not covered by the wireless network, an Ethernet card is recommended. A traditional Ethernet card is also recommended if you will be using applications that require significant network bandwidth.

    If you will be using your laptop exclusively in areas covered by the wireless network, and you plan to primarily use desktop applications, email and web browsing, a wireless card may be appropriate.
  9. Can I use wireless from home?
    No. The wireless card in your computer will only work in an area that has an access point.
  10. How do I install wireless on my laptop?
    The following installation instructions are provided to you in Adobe PDF format.