Page title -- wireless@wayne, the WSU wireless computer network

The wireless@wayne network provides wireless Internet access on Wayne State's campuses. This private wireless local area network (WLAN) is available to all WSU students, faculty, staff, and also sponsored guests. When in the location of a wireless access point — mostly in in classrooms, research buildings, libraries, and student gathering areas — you can access Wayne State's campus network and the Internet without having to plug your laptop/notebook computer into an Ethernet connection in the wall.

What's New?

WSU adds secure wireless network — February 25, 2009

Wayne State University is in the process of increasing the security level on its wireless network (wireless@wayne) with the addition of a secure wireless connection (WSU-SECURE) that uses the Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) wireless security standard to encrypt data being sent over a network.

The secure connection is accessible to WSU faculty, staff, and students from the majority of wireless access points (APs) around campus. Once you download and install a security certificate, and configure your computer or device for the secure network, you only need to enter your credentials once to access the Internet or WSU network. Your computer or device detects the secure network when you are within range of a compatible AP and automatically connects you. Read more about the benefits of a secure wireless network.

WSU expands wireless network - March 24, 2008

Wayne State University continues to upgrade wireless@wayne to next-generation, high-performance wireless networking. This technology initiative more than doubles wireless Internet access on main campus, and places Wayne State at the forefront of providing 802.11n Wi-Fi technology. Benefits:

  • Faster wireless connection speeds – we have tested and achieved 55Mbps.
  • Up to twice the range than that of 802.11g.
  • The main campus wireless network is expanding from 28 to 50 classroom and research buildings, and from 450 to 1000 wireless access points.

Read this WSU Press Release for more information about wireless@wayne.

What do I need?

Software and hardware

Software

  • Most Web browsers will work. See C&IT Help Desk list of supported browsers.
  • Windows Vista and Windows XP SP3. Other versions of Windows may work but are not supported.
  • Mac OS X 10.4 or later. Earlier versions of Mac OS may work but are not supported.
  • Newer Linux versions. Ubuntu Linux works well with wireless networks. However, Linux is not officially supported by the C&IT Help Desk at this time.

Note: In general, built-in support for wireless networks improves greatly with newer releases of computer operating systems.

Required Wireless Hardware

To use wireless@wayne, you need an 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b/g, or 802.11b wireless network card — preferably built–in for optimal performance.

  • If the laptop/notebook computer you are using does not have a built-in wireless network card, you will need an external wireless card. In either case, C&IT recommends that you look for a Wi-Fi Certification label, or you can check to see if a wireless card is Wi-Fi certified on the Wi-Fi Alliance Website.
  • If you are going to use the WSU-SECURE network connection, your network card also needs to support WPA2 and 802.1x standards.

See the next section for more about wireless cards.

Wireless Cards

Access to wireless@wayne requires an 802.11n, 802.11g, or 802.11b wireless network card in your laptop/notebook computer, either built in or external. Note that 802.11a will not work.

  • To use the WSU-SECURE wireless connection, your network card also needs to support WPA2 and 802.1x standards.

Most all new laptop computers now have a wireless network card built in. To find out whether your computer has a built-in wireless card, read the documentation that came with it.

Here are some guidelines to consider under various circumstances:

  • If your laptop already has built-in 802.11g or 802.11b/g wireless networking, you do not need to buy an external card for the new 802.11n wireless technology being installed at Wayne State. Your laptop will still be able to access wireless@wayne. It just won’t be able to take advantage of the benefits provided by the newer technology.
    • If you want to take advantage of the increased distance ranges 802.11n offers, or if you find yourself limited by the network speed of 802.11g and need faster performance, you may want to purchase an external 802.11n wireless card.
    • Also, if you are working with WSU information or sensitive data on a wireless laptop/notebook, WSU-SECURE is the wireless connection method you need to use. Your network card needs to support WPA2 and the 802.1x standard.
  • If you are configuring or customizing your Windows laptop before you purchase it, choose the option for 802.11n instead of 802.11g. New Macintosh laptops (those with a "Core 2 Duo" processor) come with 802.11n already.
  • If your laptop does not have a built-in wireless card, purchase an 802.11n external wireless card that supports WPA2 and 802.1x standards. Make sure the expansion slot type on your laptop matches the network card that you buy. Laptops released from 2007 and on predominantly have an "Express Card" slot. Laptops released earlier than that usually have a "PC Card" slot.

The following suggestions can help with your purchase of an external wireless network card:

Note that we don't list specific card models because they change too often.

  • 802.11n wireless network cards can be purchased in most electronics and computer stores, as well as on the Internet.
  • Brands like Linksys and Netgear are available in most stores. Cards from these manufacturers are stable and compatible with several iterations of the MS Windows operating system.
  • Look for support for "WPA2" in the computer specifications, if you want to be able to upgrade to newer technology in the future. You also need this support to use the WSU-SECURE connection.
  • Macintosh users who want to retrofit their older laptops with 802.11n, will find useful products from: QuickerTek
  • Look for a Wi-Fi Certification label, or you can check to see if a wireless card is Wi-Fi certified on the Wi-Fi Alliance Website.

Note: If you are looking to buy a laptop, see Guide for Buying Laptop Computers.

Installing an external wireless card

Software and instructions for installing an external wireless card are provided with the wireless card that you purchase. Generally you need to insert the card into a Expansion slot (if external) and then start your laptop/notebook computer. Your laptop should detect the new hardware (the wireless card) and walk you through the process of installing the drivers. Connection is usually automatic.

Using a PDA

You can use a PDA to make a wireless connection through wireless@wayne with a Windows Mobile 5 or 6, an Apple iPhone, or a Palm OS-based PDA that has wireless capability.

Because the Web browser on a PDA does not support pop-up windows, there is no logout window like there is with a computer connection. To logout, just shut off your PDA.

Access point (AP) locations on campus

Currently, wireless@wayne is available in most buildings on main campus, as well as at the Oakland Center and Wayne County Center. Click the link below for a complete list of WSU buildings with wireless service. The table also identifies the wireless standard available in each building (802.11b/g/n or 802.11/b/g), along with any notes about signal availability within the building.

Secure wireless (WSU-SECURE) is active only in certain areas of WSU's campus. These access points (APs) are identified as 802.11b/g/n in the Access point locations by building list linked below. You must download and install a security certificate to use the WSU-SECURE network connection. (For instructions on connecting to WSU-SECURE, see "Setting up a connection to wireless@wayne", and then "How do I set up and connect to the WSU-SECURE SSID?".)

WSU's project to expand wireless service to all classrooms, research buildings, and libraries and upgrade the wireless technology to 802.11n will be completed in March 2009.

There may be some blind spots in these buildings, so you may have to try a couple of different nearby areas to get a good signal. If you are still unable to get a signal, contact the C&IT Help Desk at (313) 577-4778 or helpdesk@wayne.edu to let us know.

Setting up a connection to wireless@wayne

The wireless@wayne network uses two SSIDs (service set identifiers):

  • WSU
  • WSU-SECURE

You can think of an SSID as the public name of a wireless network — the SSID differentiates one wireless local area network (WLAN) from another. Both connection methods are part of the wireless@wayne network.

You can use the WSU and WSU-SECURE SSIDs from some of the same access points, although each offers different levels of security:

  • WSU-SECURE SSID: When working with WSU information or sensitive data on a wireless laptop/notebook, the WSU-SECURE SSID is the connection method Wayne State faculty or staff need to use because it provides a higher level of security and strong data protection.
  • WSU-SSID: For browsing the Internet, the WSU SSID is suitable. The only information encrypted is your AccessID and password when you log in.

Who can use it?

The WSU wireless network is for exclusive use by WSU students, faculty, staff, and sponsored guests and visitors. To ensure that the network is used responsibly, you must identify (authenticate) yourself before you use it.

When you open a wireless connection (see "How do I connect to WSU?" below), you are automatically prompted to log in using a valid WSU AccessID and password. By logging in with your AccessID and password (authenticating), you agree to abide by WSU's policy on the Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources.

How do I connect to the WSU SSID?

You must use a Web browser to authenticate and establish a connection. Afterward, you can use any network application, such as e-mail client software on your laptop.

  1. You first need to be in a location where the WSU Network is available. See "Access point (AP) locations on campus" above.
  2. Insert your wireless card (unless the wireless card is built-in), and turn on your computer.
  3. Launch a Web browser.
    • Your browser home page automatically opens the WSU Network authentication page.
    • If you are prompted about a certificate, click Yes.
  4. Type your WSU AccessID (e.g. xy6789) in the User Name box and, in the Password box, type in the same password you use for WSU Pipeline or WSU E-mail.
  5. Click the Log in button.
  6. After a small logout pop-up window opens, minimize the logout window.
  7. When you are ending your Internet session, make sure to close your connection. To do so, click the logout window.

Note: If you walk out of range, or your computer goes into sleep mode or is turned off for more than 3 minutes, the WSU wireless network will log you out.

Print these instructions. pdf file

How do I set up and connect to the WSU-SECURE SSID?

Notes: Before setting up your connection, you need to connect to the WSU SSID first because you need to download a security certificate from the Internet. If you have not used this connection method before, following the instructions under "How do I connect to the WSU SSID?"

Administrator rights to your computer are necessary to download and install the security certificate required to connect to WSU-SECURE.

Following are instructions for setting up and connecting to WSU-SECURE using four different platforms that the Computing & Information Technology (C&IT) Help Desk supports:

Instructions coming soon for Windows Mobile and Mac OS X 10.4.

Security Considerations

To use secure wireless at Wayne State, see the instructions for connecting to WSU-SECURE.

The WSU wireless connection, runs on an open network — just like many cafes, public libraries, and other establishments with Wi-Fi hotspots. Because it is an open network, you need to consider these security issues:

Using WSU, your password is protected (encrypted) during the login process. Once you establish a wireless connection, your data is not protected – unless you use a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Website or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection.

SSL Website: Websites that use SSL have an "https://" prefix, and they also display a padlock icon in your browser, to indicate it is secure. An example of a secured Website at WSU is:

  • WSU WebMail: https://webmail.wayne.edu

More information about SSL Websites can be found at:
http://computing.wayne.edu/safecomputing/webbrowsing.php#ssl

VPN Connection: All Wayne State employees, including graduate assistants, can use the Virtual Private Network (VPN) service at WSU. To learn more about the VPN at WSU, visit:
http://computing.wayne.edu/vpn/

Safe Computing Principles

Other safeguards you can take when using wireless Internet are to follow C&IT's Safe Computing Principles, http://computing.wayne.edu/safecomputing/. Some of the key points are:

  • Keep the firewall in your computer operating system (OS) turned on.
  • Make sure you update and patch your OS regularly.
  • Make sure you have an antivirus program installed on your computer. WSU students, faculty, and staff can obtain Symantec Antivirus free of charge from C&IT's Software Clearinghouse at: http://clearinghouse.wayne.edu/currentsite/downloads.htm.

Wireless access in a WSU department

To make sure that you set up a wireless network in line with established network policy, first contact one of the following offices:

  • If you are on WSU's main campus or in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, contact C&IT's Computing Support Team at cst@wayne.edu. They will work with you and an engineer from C&IT Network Engineering to determine the optimal setup and signal distribution and ensure a trouble-free deployment.
  • If you are on the School of Medicine campus, contact Medical School Information Systems (MSIS) at (313) 577-1527 or helpdesk@med.wayne.edu.

Wireless access for a visitor to WSU's campus

Guests and visitors to Wayne State can obtain temporary wireless Internet access from the department or program that is sponsoring or inviting them to campus.

Any WSU employee can sponsor conference attendees, speakers, and other campus guests so they can connect a laptop computer, Windows Mobile 5 or 6, or Palm OS-based PDA with wireless capability in all buildings covered by the university's Wireless Network.

For more information, see Guest Wireless Access at Wayne State.

Additional Resources


Questions?

If you have questions or need further assistance, contact the Computing & Information Technology (C&IT) Help Desk at (313) 577-4778 or helpdesk@wayne.edu.