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What is a wireless network?
Wireless networking is the use of radio frequency signals to connect portable workstations - such as laptops or PDAs - to an Ethernet LAN. The present standard for wireless Ethernet is called 802.11B/G & A which specifies an 11/54 Megabit/second data transmission rate.
Today's wireless networks are composed of two primary components, an access point and a wireless PCMCIA adapter client. An access point converts the wired Ethernet signals to radio waves and are typically installed in ceilings or mounted high in a wall. The wireless PCMCIA client looks and acts like a regular Ethernet card but the antenna protrudes slightly from the laptop and the battery life of the laptop is slightly decreased.
What is the advantage of a wireless network?
A wireless network offers the freedom and convenience of being able to connect to the network with a portable computer from virtually anywhere in the wireless zone. However it is important to remember that wireless access is intended to supplement wired ethernet access, not replace it.
What can I do when connected to a wireless network?
Even though wireless networks look attractive for everywhere use, wired networks still give the best performance and speed. In general, a wireless connection works just like a wired ethernet connection. Wireless access may be 11 or 54 megabits per second. This bandwidth, however, is shared among all users connected via wireless in the coverage area and part of the bandwidth is taken up in wireless overheads (administration part of radio connections). This means that network speeds may be noticeably slower when many people are using wireless, and generally will not be as fast as wired ethernet. For large file transfers and other network intensive tasks, a wired network is the best solution.
You can use wireless with your laptop computer for all usual network connection functions as per JCU's guidelines for acceptable Computer Usage Policy
How much will it cost me to connect?
Apart from the need to purchase a WLAN card (typically around $99.95) if your laptop does not already have one, there will be no additional costs for students and staff accessing the Walkabout Wireless service. Usage of the wireless network will be the same as existing computer labs, with downloads being charged via the Netaccess Internet Accounting system.
How secure is data transmitted over the Walkabout Wireless network?
Fast and secure network access will be provided for Wireless Walkabout users, via the 802.1x authentication, which provides a safe and secure method for accessing information.
What operating systems will the Walkabout Wireless network support?
Currently support is provided for the following operating systems:
- Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista
- Apple Mac OSX 10.3 and above
What makes a computer compatible?
Any computer equipped with a wireless access card that conforms to the Wi-Fi standard (otherwise known as IEEE 802.11b/g or IEEE 802.1a) for wireless internetworking is compatible. Although most people use this technology with laptop computers, desktop computers can also be made compatible through the use of adapters.
Will wireless work on an Apple MacIntosh computer?
Absolutely, even if you didn't purchase an AirPort card with your computer, you can still purchase a card and add it to your computer to establish wireless access. Go to this Apple Support webpage to check if your MacIntosh computer requires an Airport 802.11b or Airport Extreme 802.11g card. Documentation for configuring the Airport connection on a Mac is available from this self-help guide.
I have a PocketPC/Palm/mobile phone can I connect to the wireless network?
Access to the Walkabout Wireless network using PocketPC/Palm and mobile phone devices is currently not supported by James Cook University.
What do I need to buy to get connected?
You will need to purchase a wireless card that conforms to 802.11b/g or 802.11a specifications. Any Wi-Fi compliant cards should work well with our access points.
Can anybody connect to the Walkabout Wireless network?
Only JCU staff / students can authenticate to the wireless network.
Where can I access the Walkabout Wireless network service?
Walkabout Wireless is currently available in various outdoor, library and learning areas on both the Townsville and Cairns campuses. Maps detailing coverage areas are also available to assist you in locating a Walkabout Wireless zone suitable for your needs.
I'm connected to the wireless network but cannot browse the web, what gives?
If you're unable to browse any webpages after successfully authenticating to the walkabout network then it may be that your web browser software is not configured correctly to connect to JCU's proxy server. To check you have the correct settings follow the steps below.
Internet Explorer:
- Launch Internet Explorer and select the Tools menu.
- Click on the Internet Options link.
- Select the Connections tab and then click the LAN Settings button.
- Make sure no check boxes are selected in this window.
- Click on OK.
- Click OK again to exit the Internet Options menu.
Mozilla Firefox:
- Launch Firefox and select the Tools menu.
- Click on the Options link.
- Go to the Advanced option then select the Network tab.
- Click on the Settings button.
- Make sure that "Direct connection to the Internet" is selected
- Click on OK.
- Click OK again to exit the Options menu.
Is there a limit to how many people can connect to Walkabout Wireless?
The wireless access points are able to handle up 30 clients but with this number performance will degrade. The locations of the access points has been arranged to optimize the coverage in smaller cells to keep the clients below 15 per access point. The clients/locations will be monitored and additional access points will be installed in high demand areas.
What is a SSID or Network name?
SSID stands for Service Set IDentifier. The SSID, also called the Network Name, is a name that identifies a wireless network. Each wireless network in any given area will have a unique SSID. In order to connect to a wireless network your computer must know the SSID for the network you want to use. The walkabout wireless SSID is broadcast in the wireless zones.
If this information is inadequate, incorrect, or can be improved in any way, please let us know