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HOME » CONNECTING » AIRHOYA WIRELESS AirHoya: Frequently Asked Questions1. General Questions about the AirHoya Wireless Network
2. Setting Up Your Computer or Other Wireless Device
3. Troubleshooting and Technical Questions
4. Safety and Security Concerns Do you have a question that isn't listed here? Contact your helpdesk for assistance. General Questions about the AirHoya Wireless Network Q: How fast is the wireless network? A: Under normal conditions, the wireless network transfers data at about 4 to 5 Mbps, which is much faster than a 56k modem (which transfers data at about .056 Mbps) but slower than an Ethernet/ResNet connection (which transfers data at about 10 Mbps). Your connection speed can be affected by how close you are to the nearest access point, the number of people using the wireless network near you, and the amount of bandwidth being used by other users. The closer you are to an access point the better, so you'll probably see better speeds at the center of a wireless area than at its periphery. It's important to remember that the number of people using a particular access point and what they are doing affects the network's speed (see the next question).
Q: How many people can use the network at once? A: AirHoya can support many dozens of users across the network simultaneously. However, a large number of people using the wireless network in one area or someone transferring an extremely large amount of data can cause slowness. The traffic in each wireless area is controlled by an access point. Under normal conditions, a single access point can handle traffic from several dozen users at once. But, each access point can handle only so much traffic at any one time. If there's too much traffic in one area, the network may become slow. It's important to remember that it's the total amount of data being moved back and forth that matters. Just a few individuals could bog down a network if each person is moving very large files. You should always be considerate of other users and refrain from engaging in any "data-intensive" operations while you're on the wireless network.
Q: Is the wireless network stable? A: For the most part, the wireless network is stable and reliable. However, because the network uses radio waves instead of wires, connections can be disrupted. Microwave ovens, wireless cameras, 2.4 GHz cordless telephones and other wireless access points such as Apple Airport Base stations are all known to interfere with wireless networks. Try turning off or moving away from these kinds of devices if you are having trouble getting or staying connected. Large objects that contain a lot of metal or water (like people) can also block wireless radio signals.
Q: Can I print over the wireless network? A: Yes. If you already use your laptop to print to a specific printer at Georgetown over the wired network (like a printer in your department or in a UIS computer lab), you don't need to make any changes to print over the wireless network. Your wireless connection is simply another medium over which printing services work. Generally, printing services on a computer do not make a distinction between a wireless network and a wired network.
Q: Can I use a PDA with the wireless network? A: Yes. PDAs equipped with 802.11b compliant radios will operate on the Georgetown University wireless network. Several brands and models include built-in wireless access capability. Popular models include the Palm Tungsten C and the Compaq iPaq. For other PDAs, there may be add-on equipment available. Consult your PDA manufacturer to find out if wireless add-ons are available for your device.
Setting Up Your Computer or Other Wireless Device Q: What do I need to use the wireless network? A: At minimum, you will need a computer or PDA device, an 802.11b-compatible wireless network adapter, and client software for configuring and managing the wireless card. Many laptops and PDAs have a built-in wireless network adapter or come with a card you install yourself. Current versions of major operating systems include the client software needed to control the adapter. See the setup pages for more detailed information.
Q: Where can I get a wireless card or wireless PDA? A: Wireless cards and PDAs are available through many different online and retail stores, including the University bookstore in the Leavey Center and the CDW-G Georgetown Store. Several cards and devices are available right on the front page. UIS doesn't recommend specific wireless card brands or models. Any card that is 802.11b-compatible (including most 802.11g cards) should work with AirHoya. Some popular brands for PC cards include Netgear, Linksys, Cisco, and D-Link. Many new laptops include a wireless card by default. Apple users should probably stick with Apple AirPort cards. Visit Georgetown's Apple Store and click on the "AirPort" link. Most newer Apple laptop models include AirPort cards by default. When purchasing wireless products, please keep in mind that access points and base stations are not permitted on campus. They may interfere with the university's wireless network.
Q: How do I install a wireless card? Most wireless cards for laptops slide right into an available PC Card slot, but there may be exceptions for some laptop models. You should follow your computer or wireless card manufacturer's instructions for installing a new wireless card.
Q: How do I configure a wireless card? This is usually a simple matter of providing the AirHoya network name or SSID: HOYAS. See the setup pages or follow your wireless card manufacturer's instructions for detailed instructions.
Q: Why Do I Get a Signal In Some Uncovered Areas and No Signal In Some Covered Areas? The list of buildings and areas covered by wireless access indicates the places where UIS has installed wireless access points. In general, there should be at least good coverage in all of the locations indicated on the list. However, signal strength and range can vary depending on several factors like the number of physical barriers between your wireless card and the closest access points. Prohibited devices such as personally operated wireless access points and 2.4 GHz cordless phones can also interfere with wireless reception. If you are having consistent problems with coverage in a listed wireless location, contact your HelpDesk. Conversely, some locations not in the list of covered areas may receive sporadic wireless signal. This is typically the result of signal temporarily bleeding over from a nearby covered area. UIS cannot guarantee consistent coverage outside of the areas on the list of covered locations.
Q: Will a wireless card interfere with my ResNet/modem set up?? No. The configuration or operation of a wireless card on a laptop will not interfere with your Resnet or modem configurations..
Q: Does using the wireless network drain my laptop's battery? Yes. Expect a hit on battery life when using a wireless card in a laptop. How much of a drain on battery life varies according to model of laptop and battery. Obviously, how much you use the laptop will have a big effect, too. Your operating system and the software you installed with your card will probably have utilities for conserving battery life.
Q: Can I get a static IP address? No. At present, UIS will not provide static IP addresses to AirHoya users. A wireless client with a static IP address will not be able to connect to the Georgetown University wireless network at another location served by a different IP subnet.
Q: Can people eavesdrop on what I'm doing? Currently, all communications via the wireless network at Georgetown University are susceptible to eavesdropping. Individuals equipped with specialized software can capture wireless packets and view any information in clear-text, including passwords. If you are concerned about the privacy of the information you may transmit across the wireless network you should take steps to encrypt it (Secure Sockets/SSL, Secure Shell/SSH, etc.) or use another medium for exchanging this information. UIS is currently evaluating methods by which all information on the Georgetown University wireless network will, by default, permit access only to authorized users and will protect communications from eavesdropping via encryption. In particular, UIS is looking at the 802.1x protocol, which has been successfully tested but has not yet reached a level of maturity for widespread deployment. Q: Does the wireless network pose any health risks? Wireless networks of the type used here at Georgetown emit substantially less electromagnetic radiation than cell phones or even microwave ovens. They are not known to pose any health risks. The Cisco wireless network equipment that will compose the Georgetown University wireless network infrastructure complies with both the ANSI C95.1-1991 IEEE Standards for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure as well as the FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure. For more information, see Cisco's white paper on Wireless Networks and Safety. |
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