Tips for Wireless Computing
Wireless Card Recommendations
Any network card bearing the Wi-Fi logo or listed on the WI-FI Alliance listing should be compatible with SSU's wireless network. The critical technologies to look for when purchasing a card are:
- 802.11 High Rate (often abbreviated "802.11 HR" or "802.11b")
- DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) or Octagonal algorithm
- 54 Mbps (54 Megabits per second) data rate
- 2.4 GHz (2.4 GigaHertz) and/or 5Ghz frequency
Sonoma State University’s wireless access points support both 802.11a and b/g. 5Ghz “n” may be supported in the future depending on demand. The following cards have been tested by other universities on Aruba wireless access points. Please use the Windows Zero configuration utility to manage your wireless network card.
SSU IT has tested the following cards on the SSU wireless network.
Windows XP (Service Pack 2 required):
- Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN Adapter
- D-Link Air DWL-650 802.11b Wireless PC Card Adapter (D-Link Air Utility can be used for configuration if service pack 2 can not be installed)
- D-Link DWL-G122 Wireless USB Adapter
- D-Link DWL-G630 Wireless card
- HP Tablet PC with Windows XP Tablet Edition
- IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad all series
- Linksys Model WPC54G version 2 Notebook Adapter
- Linksys Wirless-G USB Network Adaptor WUSB54G
- Linksys WPC11 Instant Wireless Network PC Card (Aegis v2.2.7 client was required - client no longer available from OIT)
- Netgear WG111 Wireless USB Adapter
Mac OS:
- Mac OSX version 10.2 (Macintosh Aegis Client required)
- Mac OSX version 10.3 and above with Apple Airport wireless adapter
Wireless Settings
When installing a wireless card and its accompanying software, refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Usually, the default installation settings for your wireless card will be correct.
The only setting you will need to change is the Wireless Network ID/SSID. It should be set to ResHall-WLAN. This SSID is used in the Residence Halls only.
- Wireless Network ID/ SSID: ResHall-WLAN (this is case sensitive)
- IP address, gateway, and DNS configuration: DHCP
- WEP: Turned off
Location Management
If you use more than one type of network access (such as dialup at home, ethernet in the dorm, and wireless in the library), you will need to write down the settings associated with each network. You may also need to restart your computer to renew your settings.
On Mac OS X
Use the Location Manager to easily manage and switch between saved settings. See the Mac OS Help menu on your Mac for more info.
Windows XP or 2000
Go to the Start menu > Settings > Network & Dialup Connection to see the status of your network connection and disable/enable the kind of connection you want.