Wireless Network Access: FAQ
Is this the main wireless page?
No. The main wireless page contains general instructions detailing how to get connected and how to get help.
Is my wireless connection secure?
Yes, your wireless connection to "cedarwireless" is secure, starting in the Fall of 2007. The "cedarwireless" wireless network uses industry standard WPA-Enterprise security with TKIP encryption to secure wireless traffic over the air. We also secure sensitive information on Cedarinfo, GroupWise e-mail (except POP and IMAP), H drive access (except ftp), Novell Instant Messenger, and our web servers (websites that begin with https://).
Use of other networking software such as non-Novell instant messaging software and non-GroupWise e-mail clients may not be secure from public wireless hot spots that are not secured in a manner similar to "cedarwireless". You are strongly encouraged not to share sensitive information (including passwords) over wireless networks unless you are sure you have a secure connection.
How do I make a wireless connection?
Most people with portable devices make a wireless connection through built-in wireless or a PC Card that goes into an open slot on the device. If you have an open PC Card slot on your laptop, this is a good choice. Some portable devices have an upgrade option for a mini PCI WiFi card. As long as it meets the 802.11b/g or 802.11a standards and supports WPA-Enterprise security, it should be fine on our network. The main wireless page contains links to instructions detailing how to get connected and how to get help.
Where is the wireless coverage?
Wireless connectivity is available in following locations:
- The "Three C's:" Classrooms, Coed Lounges, and Common Areas (like Chucks, the Library, SSC lounges, etc). Here are detailed maps of the wireless coverage (link only accessible on campus).
- Outdoors [More info]
- All Residence Halls
What do I need to buy so I can use wireless?
You will need to have a laptop or portable device that can use wireless. Most notebook computers can use wireless as long as they have an available PC Card slot. Our system is standards-based on 802.11b/g and 802.11a with WPA-Enterprise security. Any standard 802.11b/g or 802.11a device that supports WPA-Enterprise security should work properly with our system. You can purchase wireless cards at most stores that sell electronics, and a salesperson should be able to inform you what 802.11b/g or 802.11a card will work on your computer. Enterasys, Cisco, D-Link, Linksys, Netgear, and Apple AirPort cards have been used successfully on our network.
Can I set up my own wireless access point?
Setting up your own wireless access point or wireless router is prohibited due to the wireless access already provided in the Residence Halls. If you detect a wireless network in the Residence Halls that is not "cedarwireless", please e-mail the Network Engineer with the approximate location.
What if Safari doesn't connect to the internet, but it shows I'm connected?
You want to make sure that you are properly set up to access the network, if you have not registered your computer or set up your wireless than that is your first problem that you need to solve before trying to access the internet. Your browser should work properly when you set the proxies to our network. If it still doesn't work we recommend that you hook your computer up to an etharnet cord and download firefox.
What do I do if I keep dropping my internet connection?
You should check your wireless card and make sure it is up-to-date. Don't assume that because your computer is new that your drivers might not be out-of-date as that may not be true. Technology changes fast, and things go out of date quickly. The way you see if it's up-to-date is go to the device manager on your computer and go to the wireless card tab and make sure it is the newest one for your computer. Once you see which one you have go to the companies site where your computer is from (dell, toshiba etc...) type in drivers in the search bar and go to the link where you can download new drivers for your computer. Put in all the information for your computer and check to see if you have the latest driver. If you don't have it than download it to your computer and that should help your wireless connection.
How do I get programs onto my SPC that are on Cedarnet?
Unfortunately you can't get school programs onto your SPC. We only buy licenses for schools computers not personally owned computers. If we were to give you the programs for free the University would get in trouble for pirating. You are free to use the programs on the schools computers as much as you would like, but we can't give them to you for your SPC.
I can't connect to the iTunes store even though I'm connected to the internet
Make sure your proxies are properly set for your IE browswer because iTunes uses those proxy settings to access the ITunes store.
What if Firefox isn't connecting to the web?
If you web browser is showing that your not connected to the Internet, but the icon in the bottom of your screen is showing that you're connected then it's most likely your proxies are not set to access the Web. These instructions will have you surfing the web before you know it. If you are using a Macintosh computer then the instructions will be slightly different then the ones listed above.
My wireless doesn't work in my dorm room, what do I do?
There are a few things you want to check to make sure they are not interferring with your wireless connection, things such as Cordless phones, microwave ovens, and other wireless electronics in your dorm room can interfere with your wireless connection. To improve reception, look for cordless phones and other electronics that use the 5.8GHz or 900MHz frequencies. They won't interfere. Make sure these items are not in the path from your computer to the router on the wall. Unfortunately, your hall mates electronic devices can interfer with your wireless as well and cause it not to work, which there isn't much you can do about it then.
