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Do I need both ResNet and RoverNet?
ResNet is the only connectivity in the Residence Hall student rooms. The wireless system runs on a very common frequency (2.4 GHz) that picks up a lot of interference, so it is nearly impossible to provide a quality signal on the student floors. Everything from microwaves, cordless phones, and even vending machines have caused interference with the wireless system in the past.
So the short answer is that if you want to be on the internet in your room and in the wireless areas, you'll need both services. |
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What is wireless networking?
Wireless networking is the use of radio frequency signals to connect portable workstations - such as laptops or PDAs - to an Ethernet LAN. The present standard for wireless Ethernet is called 802.11b/g which specifies a data transmission rate up to 54 Megabits/second.
Today's wireless networks are composed of two primary components, an access point and a wireless PCMCIA adapter. An access point converts the "wired" Ethernet signals to radio waves and are typically installed in ceilings or mounted high in a wall. The wireless PCMCIA adapter looks and acts like a regular Ethernet card but the antenna protrudes slightly from the laptop and the battery life of the laptop is slightly decreased.
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What's the range of the signal?
802.11b/g wireless networking has a range of up to 300 meters in a large open space, such as an auditorium, and up to 100 meters in a typical indoor office environment. Transmission speeds decrease as the distance between the portable workstation and the access point increases. |
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How secure is wireless?
Wireless is inherently insecure. Your data is transmitted in the clear, and anyone else in your immediate area could be looking at your transmitted and received data.
We highly recommend you use Secure Protocols such as SSH, and IPSec to encrypt your data before is it transmitted.
We do not use the WEP standard, because it has been broken into (so is already insecure) and only serves to slow your transmission rate down. |
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What areas on campus have wireless access points?
Click Here for the latest list of wireless and wired locations. |
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Can I register a fixed IP address on the Wireless Network?
No. The Wireless Network was established to facilitate mobile, wireless computing where the emphasis is on availability of networking assets in a dynamic environment. Fixed IP address assignment runs counter to this purpose |
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What PCMCIA wireless cards are supported?
Any WiFi Certified 802.11b or 802.11g compliant card should work, but we recommend you choose from the following list, which we have tested:
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Where can I buy cards?
You can purchase PCMCIA wireless network adapters at the Campus Store. or bring your own.
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How do I install my card? |
- Make certain that you have a supported wireless Ethernet card.
- Install the PCMCIA card following the documentation provided with the card.
- Make sure that the network name (ESSID) is set to MTU .
- Make sure Enable Encryption is turned off under the Encryption tab.
- Make sure to use DHCP to obtain all network settings.
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| Detailed instructions are available for some cards. |
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What if I've followed all your instructions and I still can't get on the wireless network?
Please refer to the contact information found on our contacts page.
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What's in store for wireless at MTU?
We will be monitoring usage and tracking requests for new areas to expand into. As always, we're happy to receive comments and suggestions. Please send comments to telcom-request@mtu.edu. |
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