Iowa State University IT

Getting Started

1. What is wireless networking?

Wireless networking is a method of connecting a laptop or palmtop computer to the network using radio signals where wired Ethernet service is impractical or unavailable. Two primary components are involved in a wireless network: an access point and a wireless access card. The access point utilizes wired Ethernet for the uplink to the network. It transmits and receives radio signals in its immediate area to communicate with wireless access cards. The wireless access cards are similar to Ethernet cards, but with a built-in radio that communicates with the access points.

2. Where is wireless available?

Public access points on the Iowa State campus are listed online with locations by building and room. Information Technology Services continues to expand the wireless network on campus in public areas and classrooms. Check the website for updates.

Information Technology Services also offers wireless access points for private departmental areas. These are configured to minimize interference and provide a higher level of security. IT Services maintains and troubleshoots these access points. Please see the network rates section for pricing information.

3. What is the range of the signal?

The range varies with the type of space and the type of antenna used on the access point. In the typical indoor environment, the access point will provide coverage within about 150 feet. The construction materials used in the building and the furniture can impact the coverage area. In outdoor areas, the antenna design and gain can increase the coverage area to several hundred feet. Generally, the closer the wireless access card is to the access point, the higher the transmission speed. Iowa State University access points are designed in a hot spot concept-coverage will spill out to surrounding areas.

4. What is the cost of using wireless?

Wireless access is available to all university students, faculty, and staff at no cost. Guest access is available to campus visitors at no charge.

5. What wireless cards are supported?

Any wireless Ethernet cards that are IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, or combo cards are supported.

6. Where can I buy a wireless Ethernet card?

Wireless Ethernet cards are available on campus at TechCYte in the University Book Store, or at other area computer retailers. A wireless card may be added to the PCMCIA PC card slot. Either WI-FI approved 802.11b or 802.11g cards are compatible with the public wireless network. Often new laptop computers are sold with integrated wireless cards.

7. How do I register my card?

Each wireless user on campus must register their computer through a process called NetReg. NetReg requires a valid Iowa State University Network-ID and password. This is the same ID and password used to access other on-campus computing resources. For assistance using NetReg, contact the Solution Center by telephone at 515-294-4000 or by email at solution@iastate.edu.

For students, faculty, and staff:

  1. Open a web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Firefox).
  2. You should be presented with the registration page (if not, go to http://netreg.iastate.edu).
  3. Enter your Iowa State Net-ID and password. Click Next.
  4. Enter your primary location on campus. Click Next.
  5. Select your system type (laptop or desktop). Click Next.
  6. Read the information presented. If you agree, click I Agree.

Guest access:

Guess access allows campus visitors access to the Internet via the campus network. Initial guest access is either 7 days or the length of the event (if selected from the pull-down menu). After expiration, visitors will not be able to re-register for guest access for 20 days.

To set up guest access follow these steps:
1. Open a web browser.
2. Enter "netreg.iastate.edu" into the address bar and press Enter if the NetReg page does not automatically appear.
3. Select the specific event you are attending (if listed) and select "Register Here" (or) select "Guest Registration Here" if you are not attending a specific event.
4. Enter your local contact information and select "Next".
5. Read the terms and select "I Agree".
6. Reboot your computer when instructed to do so (approximately a one-minute wait) to complete your registration process.

Questions regarding registration for guest access may be directed to the IT Services Solution Center at 515-294-4000.

Other:

If a visitor needs access for longer than ten days (e.g., a visiting professor), we recommend setting up an exception account or using a NetReg-only ID. Contact the Solution Center at 515-294-4000 for more information.

8. How do I install my card?

Follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. You may be asked to supply the manufacturer's disk(s) and/or your operating system's disk(s). Insert these in the appropriate drive when prompted. Assistance installing your wireless card is available for students through the SNAP Team (in the Solution Center). Support for others is available through Computer Service. Contact the Solution Center for additional information by telephone at 515-294-4000, by email at solution@iastate.edu, or in person at 195 Durham Center.

9. What are the wireless standards on campus?

Iowa State University has implemented both the IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards on campus for public access points. 802.11b supports speed up to 11 Mbps while 802.11g can support up to 54 Mbps. Both technologies use a shared network environment (all users connected to an access point share the bandwidth available). Estimates are that about 30 users can be active on an access point simultaneously, with the network performance affected by the applications being used. All public campus access points are certified WI-FI wireless equipment.

See the university's wireless policy for more information.

10. What are the security and privacy concerns when using wireless?

Because wireless networks utilize radio transmissions, data sent through a wireless network can be intercepted. Users should encrypt sensitive communications (such as passwords and confidential documents) when communicating over a wireless network.

The following web sites and network services already include data encryption:

Other applications do not include data encryption. These include:

To protect this transmitted data, Iowa State University provides use of a data transmission encryption tool, called a VPN (Virtual Private Network) client software. The VPN service will encrypt all traffic to and from any other computer on the Iowa State campus.

The VPN client software is available for Windows as a download using Scout, and for Mac OS X and Linux systems as a download via the site-licensed website.

VPN installation instructions:

While built-in wireless encryption technologies such as "WPA" and "WEP" are often integrated into wireless cards, Iowa State does not support these protocols on the public wireless network.

11. Where do I go for assistance?

You can configure your computer to access the university's wireless network by following these instructions:

For students, the Student Network Access Program (SNAP) is available to help you connect a personal computer to the campus network. An assistant can visit a residence hall room to help install a wireless card in a computer, configure the card for an on-campus connection, and help load networking software. Students may also bring their computer to the Solution Center, 195 Durham Center, and have the setup done there. SNAP is funded by student computer fees, so there is no charge for most standard services. Contact the SNAP team in 195 Durham Center, by phone at 515-294-4000, or by email at solution@iastate.edu.