E-mail this pageFAQs About the SUNY Plattsburgh Wireless Network
What services are available on the network?
Bandwidth (network usage) is shared among all users connected in a wireless serviceable area. As a result, network response time may be noticeably slower and inconsistent compared to a "wired" network. Network Operations recommends wireless for "low bandwidth" services such as E-mail, Web browsing, and instant messaging. Wireless is not recommended for streaming audio/video, very large downloads or viewing extremely graphic-intensive Web sites.
Where are wireless serviceable areas on campus?
Network Operations determines wireless serviceable areas by researching potential use, complexity of installation, and overall cost.
- View complete list of current wireless serviceable areas.
Are additional wireless serviceable areas planned on campus?
Yes. Network Operations will continue exploring the expansion of wireless areas on campus. Planning beyond scheduled Summer 2003 initiatives is contingent upon funding and scheduled projects.
Can I install my own wireless access point?
No. A wireless access point functions as a bridge between the "wireless" and "wired" campus network infrastructure. Due to a host of network security-related issues, unauthorized access points will be treated as a network security breach and subsequently disabled from the network.
How do I get connected?
To connect to wireless serviceable areas on campus, you will need...
- A laptop capable of supporting a wireless network card (see below)
- An available PCMCIA slot or a built in wireless network card
- A Plattsburgh State recommended wireless card (see below)
- A Plattsburgh State NetId for first time wireless registration.
What do I need for my laptop?
In order to connect to the wireless network, you will need a laptop computer equipped with an external Type II or Type III PC card slot. Specific laptop requirements (processor, memory, operating system, etc.) are usually printed on the wireless card packaging. A laptop purchased with "built in" wireless network services does not require any additional equipment.
What PCMCIA wireless cards are supported?
Laptops configured with an 802.11b compliant wireless network card is expected to be compatible with the wireless infrastructure installed at Plattsburgh State. However, campus support is limited to wireless cards tested on the Plattsburgh State network. The supported list of cards is as follows:
- Laptop computer with built in wireless (Ex: Dell's Truemobile wireless option)
- Netgear MA401 (available from the Plattsburgh State University College Store)
- Lucent/Orinoco compatible PCMCIA cards (Enterasys RoamAbout, IBM Wireless, Avaya)
- CISCO Aironet 340 PCMCIA cards
Wireless card installation procedures vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Refer to the documentation enclosed with the wireless card for detailed installation and testing instructions.
How do I connect to the wireless environment?
Configuring a laptop for a wireless environment can be accomplished by simply opening a browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc.) while within a wireless serviceable area. If the laptop's wireless network card is properly installed, the browser will display a "Plattsburgh State Wireless Registration" web page/registration form. Wireless services will be available after completing the registration form and a reboot!
Can anybody connect to the Plattsburgh State wireless network?
No. Authentication (NetID) is required during the wireless registration process in order to configure a laptop for wireless services.
Can I use my laptop in a "wired" and "wireless" environment?
Yes. Movement from both environments is seamless once the "wireless" registration process has been completed.
What should I know about wireless services?
One of the primary benefits of wireless services is increased mobility and flexibility for access to network services. However, awareness of the following issues is recommended for new users being introduced to a wireless environment.
- Wireless connections are typically slower than "wired" connections found in campus buildings and residence halls. Therefore, it is not advisable to use wireless services for music downloads and streaming media applications.
- Network response time is directly contingent upon wireless usage in a serviceable area, obstructions, and the infrastructure beyond Plattsburgh State.
- Please be advised, security and privacy are not guaranteed while in a wireless environment. Network Operations will be exploring wireless security solutions as a service to the campus community.
- Laptop batteries will deplete faster in a wireless serviceable area. Locating a power source or packing a spare battery is strongly recommended.
- Network Operations is responsible for managing the "wired" and "wireless" network infrastructure at Plattsburgh State. Wireless access points not authorized by Network Operations is considered a network security breach and will be disabled from the network.
- Computer viruses can propagate on a wireless network. Refer to your anti-virus documentation for instructions on how to obtain the latest virus definitions and program updates.
- Network Operations reserves the right to turn off, without notice, any network device that puts the universities computer systems, data, and users at risk.
- Use of the wireless network implies consent to abide by all College policies pertaining to the use of computer resources at Plattsburgh State. View Plattsburgh State's Technology Policies.
Contact Information
If you are experiencing technical problems with your on-campus wireless access, please contact:
Network Operations - Bernie Grabczewski, Coordinator
- Telephone: (518) 564-2432
- E-Mail: grabczb@plattsburgh.edu