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Georgetown Wireless Services: Frequently Asked QuestionsGeneral Questions about Georgetown Wireless Services
Setting Up Your Computer or Other Wireless Device
Safety and Security Concerns SaxaNet
Troubleshooting and Technical Questions
Do you have a question that isn't listed here? Contact your Help Desk for assistance. General Questions about Georgetown Wireless Services How fast is Georgetown Wireless Services? 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).
How many people can use Georgetown Wireless Services at once? Georgetown Wireless Services 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. However, 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.
Is Georgetown Wireless Services stable? 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.
Can I print over Georgetown Wireless Services? 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 Georgetown Wireless Services. 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.
Can I use a handheld device with the wireless network? Yes. Handheld devices equipped with 802.11b-compliant radios will operate on any Georgetown University wireless network. Several brands and models include built-in wireless access capability. For other handheld devices, there may be add-on equipment available. Consult your handheld device manufacturer to find out if wireless add-ons are available for your device.
Setting Up Your Computer or Other Wireless Device What do I need to use Georgetown Wireless Services? At minimum, you will need a computer or handheld device, an 802.11b-compatible wireless network adapter, and client software for configuring and managing the wireless card. Many laptops and handheld devices 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.
Where can I get a wireless card or handheld device? Wireless cards and handheld devices 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 Georgetown Wireless Services. 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 & Wireless" 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.
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.
How do I configure a wireless card? This is usually a simple matter of providing the wireless network name (SSID), such as HOYAS. See the setup pages or follow your wireless card manufacturer's instructions for detailed instructions.
Can people eavesdrop on what I'm doing? Any open, or unsecured, wireless network, such as HOYAS and GuestNet, is a potential target for eavesdropping. If you are concerned about the privacy of the information you may transmit across the wireless network, especially if you work with sensitive data, you should instead use SaxaNet, which is a secure network (requires you to authenticate to connect to it). Does the wireless network pose any health risks? Wireless networks of the types 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 comprise 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.
SaxaNet is the secure wireless network at Georgetown University. Using a wireless network means you can connect to the Internet over the air, without having to use a network (Ethernet) cable, which allows for truly mobile computing. Connecting via secure wireless means your connection is encrypted, since you are required to log in with your NetID and password. With a secure connection, your personal information cannot be viewed by others, and is not vulnerable to attack or theft by hackers. SaxaNet is available to all current Georgetown students, faculty, and staff.
Why did you add secure wireless? We added secure wireless to provide a more secure computing environment for the University, as a way to protect the University community from cyber attacks and data theft.
All current members of the university community, and other affiliates, can use SaxaNet.
Why do I need to log in every time I want to use SaxaNet? Since SaxaNet is a secure network, having to authenticate (log in) each time you want to access the network is a critical component of that security.
I'm a visitor to Georgetown; can I use SaxaNet? SaxaNet is only for current Georgetown students, faculty, staff, and other affiliates. However, depending on your location on campus, you will be able to connect using HOYAS and/or GuestNet.
If I've already configured my computer to connect to SaxaNet, do I need to do this again? No, you only need to configure SaxaNet once. However, if you use another computer, you will need to configure SaxaNet for that computer.
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 Help Desk. 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.
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.
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.
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.
My computer cannot find SaxaNet; how can I find SaxaNet? You may be trying to connect to SaxaNet at a location where SaxaNet is not available, even though you may have already configured your computer for SaxaNet.
What should I do if I cannot connect to SaxaNet? Contact the UIS Help Desk at 202-687-4949 or help @ georgetown.edu.
Why am I not being prompted to authenticate to connect to SaxaNet? You may be at a location that does not offer SaxaNet. If you've already configured your computer for SaxaNet, you will be connected automatically at that location to the HOYAS wireless network. |
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