Frequently Asked Questions (WiFi)

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, 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.

Yes, but only on the SaxaNet wireless network (printing isn’t available on GuestNet). 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.

However, you should keep in mind that bandwidth on Georgetown Wireless Services is significantly less than on the wired network. Large print jobs (over five pages including graphics) may temporarily hog the wireless bandwidth and slow down the network for other users connected to the same wireless access point.

You will need your device, such as a laptop computer or mobile device, and you might need to configure or enter your NetID and password. See the wireless network pages for more information.

Any open, or unsecured, wireless network, such as GuestNet, is a potential target for eavesdropping and hacker attacks.

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 with your NetID and password to connect to it).

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.

We have 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.

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.

SaxaNet is only available to current Georgetown students, faculty, staff, and other affiliates. However, depending on your location on campus, you will be able to connect using GuestNet.

No, you only need to configure SaxaNet once. However, if you use another computer, you will need to configure SaxaNet for that computer.

In general, there should be at least good coverage across campus. However, signal strength and range can vary depending on several factors like the number of physical barriers between your device and the closest access points. Prohibited devices such as personally-operated wireless access points can also interfere with wireless reception. If you are having consistent problems with coverage at a specific location, contact your help desk.

Conversely, some locations may receive sporadic wireless signal. This is typically the result of a signal temporarily bleeding over from a nearby covered area. UIS cannot guarantee consistent coverage outside covered areas.

No. At present, UIS will not provide static IP addresses to wireless 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.

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.

Contact the Service Center by email, phone, or chat by going to help.georgetown.edu. Please make sure to include the time and exact location where you were unable to connect.

You can also try turning off, and then turning back on, your device’s WiFi.

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 GuestNet WiFi network.