Microcomputer Services

Wireless Networking

News
Our new wireless system is active! See the following sections for more information or read the original announcement.

System Requirements
Any system with an SSL capable web browser should work. This includes most all current versions of Windows, Mac OS, Unix, and handhelds including Windows CE/Pocket PC and Palm. Palm users may need to use Eudora Web to authenticate due to the direct connection SSL requirement. Any 802.11b compliant wireless card should work.

Availability

Areas with coverage:

  • Computing Center
  • Deschutes Hall: 3rd floor
  • EMU: most of the public spaces
  • Fenton: Math Library
  • Knight Law School: most of the open, public spaces
  • Knight Library: most of the public spaces on 1st floor and basement
  • McKenzie Hall: 1st floor north end
  • Science Library
  • Willamette: Atrium

Coverage to come (in order):

  • Deschutes Hall: 1st and 2nd floors
  • McKenzie Hall: 1st floor south end and 2nd floor
  • Knight Library: coverage on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floor
  • Chiles (Business School): all areas
  • Student Recreation Center: near juice bar and lounge
  • Hamilton Hall: Dining areas
  • Carson Hall: Gold Room, 1st floor study area and lobby

Requirements
To use the wireless network you'll need a computer (presumably a notebook) and a PC card that conforms to the IEEE 802.11b standard. Some modern Macintosh computers have built-in support for wireless access. If you have a modern Macintosh or are thinking of buying one, inquire about Apple's Airport product.

Getting Access Without Spending a Lot of Money
UO students, faculty and staff can borrow a wireless PC card from the Documents Room in 175 McKenzie Hall. We ask that you leave a $20 deposit when you borrow the card. We are using Lucent WaveLAN brand cards (11Mb) for this trial.

Getting Connected
The first step to getting connected is to set the network name (or "SSID") to "uowireless." On the Macintosh, this is normally configured from the Apple menu "Airport," then "Choose Network" and "Create Computer to Computer Network" and type in "uowireless." In Windows, users can usually find this setting under the device manager in the System control panel in the properties of their wireless network adapter. See the detailed instructions below for an example. Not all cards will be configured the same way; please contact us if you cannot find this setting.

The second step is to open a web browser like Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator. You should be automatically prompted for your username and password. Your username is your Computing Center email address including the '@' symbol, and your password is your email password. This is also the same username and password used for dial-up modem connections. After you see a message indicating successful authentication, you can then begin using Internet enabled programs. For example, you can open your email program.

Troubleshooting:
You will need to turn off proxy settings in the browser to authenticate. This is a temporary problem (Feb. 6th 2002) that we hope to resolve soon. For now, contact us if you need help with this process.

Need Help Getting Connected?
Contact us for for assistance. Wireless users can bring their notebook or handheld device to our desk in 151 McKenzie Hall. There is no charge for this type of assistance.

Detailed Macintosh Instructions

Detailed Windows Instructions