Wireless at WestConn Frequent Asked Questions
1. What locations on campus have wireless network services available?
2. Can I use wireless services outside of the coverage areas?
3. Can I do everything with a wireless connection that I could do with a wired network connection?
4. What does 802.11 mean?
5. Can I expect same data transfer rate as shown in my connection speed?
6. Can I use a PDA or Pocket PC to access the wireless network?
7. Is it true that a wireless connection disrupted more often than a wired network connection?
8. What level of security will the University Computing offer for my wireless connection?
9. Does wireless interfere with my cell phone?
10. Where can I get more help?
1. What locations on campus have wireless network services available?
At this point the Wireless Network coverage is available at the following locations:
Midtown Campus ( view map )
- Alumni Hall (Full
Coverage)
- Berkshire Hall (Full
Coverage)
- Haas Library (Full
Coverage)
- Higgins Hall (Full Coverage)
- Litchfield Hall (Full Coverage) *SSID = ResNet
- Newbury Hall (Full Coverage) *SSID = ResNet
- Old Main, Third Floor, University Computing Office. (Full
Coverage)
- Old Main, Outside Sitting Area. (Partial Coverage)
- Science Building (Full Coverage)
- Student Center (Full Coverage)
- Warner Hall (Full Coverage)
- White Hall (Full Coverage)
Westside
Campus ( view map )
- Campus Center (Full Coverage)
- Centennial Hall (Full Coverage) *SSID = ResNet
- Grasso Hall (Full Coverage) *SSID = ResNet
- Pinney Hall (Full Coverage) *SSID = ResNet
- Westside Classroom Building (Full
Coverage)
2. Can I use wireless services outside of the coverage areas?
While it may be possible to connect to the WestConn's Wireless Network beyond the coverage areas but signal strength and throughput is not guaranteed.
3. Can I do everything with a wireless connection that I could do with a wired network connection?
The WestConn wireless network is part of a DMZ network. Wireless users will only be able to access items on the University network similar to when they connect to the internet from home. Some services that are known to have security issues have been blocked. Please note that wireless service is not intended to replace the University wired network.
4. What does 802.11 mean?
802.11 is a standard that was developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). It is the original wireless specification. Extensions of the 802.11 standard were given the same number with a letter suffix.
802.11 Provides up to 2Mbps transmission in the 2.4GHz band
802.11b Provides up to 11Mbps transmission in the 2.4GHz band
802.11a Provides up to 54Mbps transmission in the 5GHz band
802.11g Provides up to 54Mbps transmission in the 2.4GHz band
5. Can I expect same data transfer rate as shown in my connection speed?
The 802.11b wireless standards specification allows for a theoretical maximum connection speed of 11 Mbps (54Mbps for 802.11g). However, during wireless data transfer, administrative data exchanges take place between the wireless card and the wireless network's Access Point (AP) that can use up to 40% of the raw connection speed.
Your connection speed is also affected by the number of people connected to the AP. Your data transfer rate will drop as more people connect in a specific location. The type of activity the people sharing your AP are engaged in can affect your connection as well. For example, large data transfers will significantly slow down the connection for everyone. Your connection speed may also slow down as you move away from an AP. Other devices such as cordless phones or microwaves can cause interference as well.
6. Can I use a PDA or Pocket PC to access the wireless network?
Yes, as long as your PDA or Pocket PC comes equipped with an 802.11b or 802.11g compliant card.
7. Is it true that a wireless connection disrupted more often than a wired network connection?
It depends. Many factors may affect wireless connections (walls, desks, large metal objects, etc.). However, there are other devices that operate in the same 2.4GHz frequency range that can disrupt wireless connections. The largest offenders are 2.4GHz wireless telephones (but not cell phones), microwave ovens, etc.
8. What level of security will the University Computing offer for my wireless connection?
You should be aware that all wireless networks are inherently less secure than their wired counterparts. We recommend that you protect your sensitive information on this or any network by using software capable of encryption (such as SSH for telnet & ftp sessions, SSL, PGP or S/MIME for email messages, SSL for secure web sessions, etc.). While University Computing is taking steps to provide a secure environment for all users of the WCSU networks, University Computing assumes no responsibility for any loss of data or the compromise of private information such as passwords, credit card information, registration data, etc. while connected to the University network.
9. Does wireless interfere with my cell phone?
No.
10. Where can I get more help?
Please contact University Computing at x78467 for inquires.
