CSU Wireless - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CSU Wireless Network?
The CSU Wireless Network is a new service provided for students and staff by the Division of Information Technology. The services offers the flexibility to access the CSU Network and the wider Internet without the restriction of cables or wires from various Wireless Hotspots located across campus
What is a Wireless Network?
wireless network is a type of local area network (LAN) which the carriage of data to and from your Laptop is done via low power radio frequency signal that is sent from the wireless card in your laptop to Wireless base stations located on campus. Wires are completely unnecessary to access full network and internet services.
A hotspot is a campus location where the wireless network can be accessed. An antenna or base station is located nearby providing a radio signal. You will be able to locate a hot spot by looking for a CSU Wireless Hotspot sign (see above) located near the base station
What Wireless Standards does the CSU Wireless Network Support
The CSU Wireless Network supports the IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards. These are the most common wireless standards currently used around the world.
Is the CSU Wireless Network secure?
While no wireless or wired network connection is 100% secure, the CSU Wireless Network does uses up to date WEP Encryption protocols and other security features that already exist on the CSU Wired Network, providing a high level of security. However, Students and staff are advised to ensure that their Laptop is up to date with security patches, firewall and anti virus software before using the Wireless Network.
How fast is the CSU Wireless Network?
The CSU Wireless Network currently operates at a maximum connectivity speed of 54Mbps for IEEE 802.11g wireless cards and 11Mbps for IEEE 802.11b wireless cards.
How far from a Hot Spot can I be and what is the signal range?
The range depends on the level of interference, on the number of users in your location and the demands of the application on the network. In an open space, with minimal interference, the maximum effective range is 100m. Indoors the maximum effective range is 50m
What do I need to begin using the CSU Wireless Network?
To access the CSU Wireless Network, you will need a laptop computer fitted with a wireless device eg. PCMCIA Wireless Card or Inbuilt wireless card. These must be compatible with the IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 902.11g standards.
Can I use my PDA to access the CSU Wireless Network?
Support for Palm Top or PDA computers is being developed at this stage. DIT will advise staff and students of up dates to the Wireless Service via the daily What’s News service.
What Operating Systems are supported for use on the CSU Wireless Network?
Currently, DIT provides assistance and instructions for the following Operating Systems in connecting to the CSU Wireless Network
- Windows OS - Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 and Windows XP with Service Pack 2
- Apple - MacOS 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3
Why does DIT not support older Operating Systems using the CSU Wireless Network
DIT only supports Staff and Students connecting to the CSU Wireless Network using the Operating Systems detailed above. The reason for this is that Wireless Computing is a relative new technology. Some older Windows and MacOS operating systems do not support Wireless connectivity, or require extra software to establish a wireless connection.
In some cases, older operating systems will not support modern Wireless security
While you are free to try and connect using a non supported Operating System, please be aware that you do so on the understanding that you will be responsible for your own ongoing support. DIT can not assist you should you experience technical problems using an older Operating system.
Does the CSU Wireless Network support Linux?
You can use a laptop running a Linux OS and connect to the CSU Wireless Network however DIT does not provide support for Linux Operating Systems.
How do I know whether my computer has on board wireless card?
Check the documentation that came with your computer system for a description of the model or if you do not have the documentation, check the makers website. It should list as one of the components as IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g compatible wireless card. If it does not have either one of these two types of card, then you will have to purchase a separate wireless card.