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What is wireless network access?

Simply put, wireless network access is a connection to the campus network without the use of wires or cables. SUNY Oswego's wireless system is based on new technology that comes with both Windows and Mac operating systems. This technology uses new standards in authentication (802.1x) and security (WPA2).

How does wireless work?
Much like the cellular telephone network, wireless networking works by sending data over radio waves. In the cell phone world, the cell phone talks via radio waves to a tower. The tower relays the messages to the wired, world-wide telephone network. The telephone network sends a signal back to the tower which transmits it via radio waves to the cell phone. Wireless computer access is very similar. Your laptop sends information via radio waves to an access point located inside buildings. The access point is connected to the campus network. Anything coming back to your laptop first goes to the access point and from there is broadcast to your laptop.

As with cell phones, any wireless-equipped laptop within range of a given access point can communicate with the network. Indeed, some systems, including our campus system, permit roaming between access points. If you move out of range, you lose the connection. Further, a single access point can communicate with multiple wireless-equiped laptops. That means that frequently you’ll be sharing the available bandwidth with other users. If there are lots of users communicating with a single access point, you may notice that your network connection slows down.

How fast is a wireless connection to the campus network?
With the 802.11g wireless standard you can have a connection of 54 Mb/sec at best (i.e., if you’re right next to the access point and you are the only user). However, you rarely achieve the maximum possible speed.

This is because of multiple users and signal strength. All users within range of an access point share that bandwidth, so you’ll only get the top speed if you are the only person within range of that access point.

In addition, as you move away from the access point and the signal gets weaker, the system will automatically slow down to give you more reliable data transfer (sort of like speaking slower so people will understand you better).

Thus, your connection speed depends on distance and on the number of people sharing the access point.

Where is wireless access available on campus?
Please check our online map for exact locations.

Whom do I contact if I need help?
Contact the Technology Support Center located in 26 Lanigan Hall. You can also phone the TSC at 312-3456 or send email to help@oswego.edu

What hardware do I need for wireless?
A wireless equipped laptop running the 802.11b or 802.11g wireless protocol. The wireless capability is usually built in to your laptop, especially on newer models. If you’re purchasing a new laptop, you’ll want to make sure that it includes wireless support.

You can also retrofit an older laptop by purchasing a wireless card. Based on our testing, Campus Technology Services recommends two cards: the Linksys Wireless-G network adapter card and SMC Networks 54 Mbps Wireless Cardbus Adapter. Both are available in the College Store.

How do I determine if my laptop supports wireless?
Refer to the minimum requirements.

Which version of wireless are we using on campus?
802.11g, which is the most common standard at present.

My laptop is already equipped for 802.11G wireless. Will it work with the Oswego campus system?
Yes. Most newer laptops are coming equipped with the 802.11g standard (which has a maximum data rate of 54 Mb/sec, about 4.5 times faster than 802.11b). Our campus wireless system is compatible with any 802.11b or 802.11g equipped laptop.

What do I need to do to connect my laptop to the wireless network?
Using the SUNY Oswego wireless network requires a one-time configuration necessary to set-up your laptop for secure access. Before connecting to the new system, please review the instructions for your particular device.

Can I use an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch?
Yes. Review the instructions for configuration information.

Can I use an Android phone or Kindle Fire?
It depends on the device.  Please consult the instructions to determine if it works for your device.

When will additional wireless sites be available on campus, and where will they be located?
Currently, most academic spaces have wireless coverage. We are working on expanding wireless into individual residential rooms.  It is expected that all residence halls with the exception of Onondaga (to be completed in summer 2013) and possibly Funnelle (to be completed during Fall 2012) will have wireless access in individual residence hall rooms by the start of the Fall 2012 semester.  Please see the wireless map for specific coverage locations.

Why can’t I use wireless in my residence hall?
CTS is working on expanding the wireless network into individual residential rooms.  It is expected that all residence halls with the exception of Onondaga (to be completed in summer 2013) and possibly Funnelle (to be completed during Fall 2012) will have wireless access in individual residence hall rooms by the start of the Fall 2012 semester.  Please review the wireless map for information on where wireless is currently available in residence halls.

Can I install my own wireless network access point in my area?
Faculty and staff should contact the Technology Support Center for a consultation if they are interested in establishing wireless access points in their area.

Students living in residence halls are prohibited from installing their own wireless networks because it is essentially an extension of their network connection, a practice disallowed under the Computer and Network Acceptable Use Policy.

Can guests of the campus obtain wireless access?
Yes, depending on the length of stay and the purpose of the visit.  Faculty & staff may request a wireless connection for guests of the campus by calling the Technology Support Center at ext. 3456.  Please check out  wireless computing facilities at SUNY Oswego to determine wireless coverage.

The wireless registration page refuses to load. Why?
In some isolated cases, a computer may detect the presence of a wireless network but is seemingly unable to connect to it. There are several reasons this may be happening:

  1. Under Windows XP, you may have to perform an additional step to connect to the wireless network. You should see a small network connection icon in the lower-right corner of your Windows toolbar. Right click the icon, and choose View Available Wireless Networks. You should see “Oswego-Setup" listed. Click Connect, exit your web browser if it is still running, then relaunch it. The registration page should load properly.
  2. The DNS cache stored on the computer may be out of date or corrupted. To fix this, do the following:
    • Click Start, select Run.
    • Type "cmd" and click OK.
    • Type "ipconfig /flushdns" and click OK.
    • You should receive a message stating "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver cache."
    • Restart the computer.

Why do I lose my wireless signal and connection as I move around in a wireless area?
Wireless works via radio waves. Just as your FM reception in your car can get spotty if there are too many tall buildings around or if you’re too far from the broadcasting antenna, wireless suffers from situations where the radio waves are not strong enough to get through.

This is affected by things in the environment (concrete and steel in the walls), and by antenna location (your wireless antenna in your laptop is either built into the card [the bump that sticks out when the card is inserted] or it’s built into the case of the laptop). As you move around, your signal strength may change and that will affect your connection.

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