Why Wireless?
A wireless network is intended as a supplement to the capabilities of a "wired" network infrastructure. Laptops properly configured for a wireless environment can now access Internet and campus network services without the restriction of physically plugging into a "wired" network jack. Access to popular services such as Email, Internet browsing, and instant messaging is now available in designated wireless serviceable areas on campus.
What services are available on the network?
Bandwidth (network usage) is shared among all users connected in a wireless serviceable area. As a result, network response time may be noticeably slower and inconsistent compared to a "wired" network. Network Operations recommends wireless for "low bandwidth" services such as Email, Web browsing, and instant messaging. Wireless is not recommended for streaming audio/video, very large downloads or viewing extremely graphic-intensive Web sites.
Where are wireless serviceable areas on campus?
Network Operations determines wireless serviceable areas by researching potential use, complexity of installation, and overall cost. To date, the following areas have been established as a wireless serviceable area on campus.
- Angell College Center (1st floor exhibit area, Flynt Commons, Plattsburgh Room, Warren Ballrooms, Cardinal Lounge, Adult Student Center, Skylight Cafe')
- Feinberg Library (105, expanded Lab area, Special Collections, 2nd and 3rd floor seating area across from study Carrels, 2nd and 3rd floor Carrels).
- Yokum lecture halls (Rooms 200, 202, 205, 206, 208)
- Hawkins Honors Center
- Learning Center
- Hawkins 053 Labs and conference Room, 153B, C, & D classrooms
- Redcay Hall classrooms, lobby, Mowry Room
- Beaumont 407 (Chemistry Lab), 301F (Biology)
Are additional wireless serviceable areas planned on campus?
Yes. Network Operations will continue exploring additional wireless areas on campus. Planning beyond scheduled Summer 2003 initiatives is contingent upon funding and scheduled projects.
How do I get connected?
To connect to wireless serviceable areas on campus, you will need:
- A laptop capable of supporting a wireless network card (see below)
- An available PCMCIA slot or a built in wireless network card
- A Plattsburgh State University recommended wireless card (see below)
- PSU username and password for first time wireless registration. Information about your PSU username can be obtained from the "Basic Guide to your Campus Usercode and Passwords" sheet distributed during opening week or the Helpdesk at 564-4433.
What is the minimum laptop configuration needed?
In order to connect to the wireless network, you will need a laptop computer equipped with an external Type II or Type III PC card slot. Specific laptop requirements (processor, memory, operating system, etc.) are usually printed on the wireless card packaging. A laptop purchased with "built in" wireless network services does not require any additional equipment.
What PCMCIA wireless cards are supported?
Laptops configured with an 802.11b compliant wireless network card is expected to be compatible with the wireless infrastructure installed at Plattsburgh State University. However, campus support is limited to wireless cards tested on the Plattsburgh State University network. The supported list of cards is as follows:
- Laptop computer with built in wireless (Ex: Dell's Truemobile wireless option)
- Netgear MA401 (available from the Plattsburgh State University College Store)
- Lucent/Orinoco compatible PCMCIA cards (Enterasys RoamAbout, IBM Wireless, Avaya)
- CISCO Aironet 340 PCMCIA cards
Wireless card installation procedures vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Refer to the documentation enclosed with the wireless card for detailed installation and testing instructions.
How do I connect to the wireless environment?
Configuring a laptop for a wireless environment can be accomplished by simply opening a browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc.) while within a wireless serviceable area. If the laptop's wireless network card is properly installed, the browser will display a "Plattsburgh State Wireless Registration" web page/registration form. Wireless services will be available after completing the registration form and a reboot!
How do I know if I'm connected?
You can check your network connectivity status by looking at the Status and Activity indicators on the wireless PC Card Antenna. The Status light will blink when a connection is made. The Activity light will blink when data is transmitted. Refer to your wireless card documentation for specific troubleshooting methods, configuration options, wireless card diagrams, and installation instructions.
Can anybody connect to the Plattsburgh State wireless network?
No. Authentication (PSU username and password) is required during the wireless registration process in order to configure a laptop for wireless services.
Can I use my laptop in a "wired" and "wireless" environment?
Yes. Movement from both environments is seamless once the "wireless" registration process has been completed.
What should I know about wireless?
One of the primary benefits of wireless services is increased mobility and flexibility for access to network services. However, awareness of the following issues is recommended for new users being introduced to a wireless environment.
- Wireless connections are typically slower than "wired" connections found in campus buildings and residence halls. Therefore, it is not advisable to use wireless services for MP3 music downloads and streaming media applications.
- Network response time is directly contingent upon wireless usage in a serviceable area, signal strength, and the infrastructure beyond Plattsburgh State.
- Wireless technology is a target from the computer hacker community. Please be advised, security and privacy are not guaranteed while in a wireless environment. Network Operations will be exploring wireless security options as a service to the campus community.
- Laptop batteries will deplete faster in a wireless serviceable area. Locating a power source or packing a spare battery is strongly recommended.
- Installation of additional wireless areas must be coordinated through Network Operations. Unauthorized wireless areas will significantly impact the existing wireless network infrastructure and engineering for future wireless installations.