TECH SUPPORT: Got a laptop? Get wireless
“Wireless Enabled Area.”
Chances are, you’ve seen these signs in certain classrooms or buildings on campus. Or maybe you’ve seen someone sitting in class with a laptop computer, checking his e-mail or surfing the Internet. What exactly does that mean, to be wireless-enabled, and how can I get connected?
On campus, there are about 30 wireless-enabled areas. Each of these classrooms or areas of campus provide wireless networking capability, that is, the ability to connect a laptop with a wireless network card or other wireless device, such as a Palm, Handspring, or other PDA, to the campus network and to the Internet. A small device, known as an access point, broadcasts the network signal to anyone within 200 feet from the device. It uses the same technology as a cordless phone, transmitting the signal via radio waves. Students can quickly check e-mail, follow along with their instructor as they view their online notes or get other information from the Internet while in class, and they can do all of it from their seats.
Connecting to the USU Wireless Network is pretty simple. All you need is a laptop computer or a handheld device with a wireless Ethernet network card that supports the 802.11b standard (most wireless cards do, just be sure to check the box if you’re buying one). If your laptop doesn’t have wireless capability, you can purchase a wireless network card for around $60 to $75. When your computer is within range of the access point, it automatically picks up the signal and connects you to the network. It will receive a non-routable IP address, which gives your computer access to Web sites on campus.
To see Web sites off campus you have two options. The first option is to configure your Web browser to go through the USU proxy server. Think of the proxy server as a doorway on the network that allows for connections to be made off campus. The advantage of using the proxy server is that configuration is quick and easy and doesn’t require additional software. The second option is to download and install the VPN (Virtual Private Network) Client software. For connections that require more security, or for certain services not supported by the proxy server, the VPN Client is the answer. Instructions about how to configure the proxy server or installing the VPN client can be found at the Help Desk Web site (http://helpdesk.usu.edu). Click on the ‘USU Proxy Server’ or ‘VPN Client Software’ links on the top of the page.
Of the many wireless enabled areas on campus, the majority are located in specific classrooms. As the number of wireless laptops on campus has increased, so has the demand for more open-access wireless areas, especially where large numbers of students gather. The Hub, The Junction, as well as the Sci-Tech and Merrill Libraries are being considered for future access points. Funding and logistical details keep these sites and others still in the planning stages.
If you have a laptop with wireless networking capability, break free from the wired world and get wireless. Once you’ve tried it at USU, you can take that laptop with you to other hot spots that offer wireless access, including many bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, airports and a growing number of other locations.
To find out more about the USU Wireless Network, with locations of wireless access points and detailed instructions for getting connected, visit http://helpdesk.usu.edu/wireless.
Rob Burton is a junior majoring in business information technology and education. Comments can be sent to helpdesk@cc.usu.edu.