Wireless Networking at NC State

What can I do with wireless?

You can do just about anything that you can do with a wired network connection. However, the range is less than 300 feet, and the signal diminishes further if it has to travel through walls or other obstacles.

Where is wireless access available on campus?

NC State is providing wireless access to the campus network at an increasing number of locations, but it is not yet ubiquitous. See http://comtech.ncsu.edu/wireless/maps/index.php for existing locations and check frequently for the new ones that will be added throughout the year.

Why isn’t it campus-wide?

The Office of Information Technology is working toward that end. There is a multi-year schedule for campus-wide deployment of easily maintainable wireless networking that offers good security from malicious hackers. One part of the plan is to set up a new wireless access point (hotspot) each month at a publicly accessible campus location, and you can cast a vote to help select it. Learn more about this part of the wireless deployment plan at http://comtech.ncsu.edu/wireless/hotspot.php .

What should I know before I set up for wireless?

• Become familiar with the rules governing wireless use on campus that apply to your situation as well as the general rules and regulations for computer use.
• Check to see if your department supports wireless access and recommends a specific brand of wireless card. Generally, ComTech recommends cards that are compliant with the 802.11 A/B/G standards.
• Before you buy any hardware, ask a support person in your department or contact the NC State Help Desk or help@ncsu.edu or 515-HELP(4357).
• Be aware that once NC State provides wireless service in a building, it is a violation of policy to have a personal or departmental wireless access point at that location.
• If you are setting up a wireless network, be sure to follow these security precautions to prevent intrusions:
  • Change the Service Set Identifier (SSID) on your wireless devices frequently. Do not use the factory default and do not use "NCSU."
  • Unless you're running a hotspot, change the default setting to prevent broadcasting your SSID. You will need to remember or record your SSID so that you can use it when you connect devices to the network.
  • Change the default password for your wireless device as soon as you install it and at frequent intervals afterward. This password is different from your Unity password.
  • Use Media Access Control (MAC) to keep intruders off your network.
  • Enable encryption for the information transmitted over your network. The type of encryption you can use (WEP or WPA) will depend on the devices connected to your network.

What hardware will I need?

You'll need a portable computer or handheld device that either has built-in wireless capability or can be adapted for it. Make certain that any equipment, card or adapter you buy will be using either the 802.11G (preferred) or the 802.11 A/B/G standard. Here are additional details for a few computers and handhelds:

• PC laptop - you'll need a PCMCIA wireless card.
• Newer Macintosh laptop - consider an Airport card, which installs in your computer.
• PocketPC handheld with a Compact Flash slot - you can use a Compact Flash wireless card.
• Palm handheld - you'll need to install all the components of the Eudora Internet Suite for Palm
  (http://www.eudora.com/products/unsupported/internetsuite/), including the very important SSL support. (What is SSL?)

What are 802.11 A/B/G standards?

They are standards that establish the rules for wireless networking. The older 802.11B is supported on many different computing platforms, including Macs, PCs and handheld devices. The newer 802.11G offers improved security and speed. Many of the newer access points on campus are 802.11G but all are backwards compatible to accommodate 802.1B and A as well.

What brand of wireless card should I get?

Many brands work well. It’s always best to go with a manufacturer that offers good online technical support.

What else do I need?

• The latest version of a Web browser. Internet Explorer, Firefox (Mozilla), Opera and other browsers should also work.
• Your Unity ID and password. Guest wireless is available for visitors to the campus.

How do I connect to the wireless network?

1. Follow the manufacturer's directions for installing the wireless card and its software, using the default network settings.
2. Download the newest drivers for the card from the manufacturer's Web site and install them.
3. If you are close enough to a wireless access point, the card should automatically detect it. The lights on the card should blink, indicating that you are connected to the network.
4. If this does not happen, go into your card's configuration setup and look for SSID number.
5. For that value, type (in lower case): ncsu
6. Once you are connected to the network, open a Web browser.
7. The Nomadic Computing access Web page should open automatically. If not, go to http://nomad.ncsu.edu.
8. At the login prompt on the left side of the page, enter your Unity ID and password.

How do I register my wireless device?

Registering a wireless device allows you to log on to the wireless network without entering your Unity ID and password each time. To register :

1. Go to https://nomad.ncsu.edu
2. Select Device Registration.
3. From the menu on the left, select Add Device.
4. Follow the subsequent instructions.

You will need to renew your registration each semester, and you will receive an email reminding you to do so. You can register up to three wireless devices.

How do I delete my registration for a wireless device?

If you lose your registered wireless device or it is stolen, you are still responsible for its subsequent use. To prevent unauthorized use, immediately delete its registration as follows:

1. Go to https://nomad.ncsu.edu
2. Choose Device Registration.
3. Select List Devices.
4. For each device you want to delete, click on its delete link in the right-hand column.

What is guest wireless?

As a courtesy, NC State provides visitors to the campus with wireless service that is limited to Web access only (addresses beginning with http and https).

How do I log in to guest wireless?

1. Change your SSID to ncsu-guest.
2. Open a Web browser. You will be directed to the Guest wireless access page.
3. Click on "Agree to the Terms of the NC State Computer Use Regulation." You will be allowed access to the Web.

Where is guest wireless available?

Guest wireless coverage is available at all campus wireless locations except those noted on the login page. See the coverage maps for details.

Last modified March 5, 2008 by cawalker