Computing
Vassar Wireless - FAQ
How do I get on the wireless network?
You’ll Select the SSID (it's just the name of a wireless network -- e.g. FacStaff or Student). Then open a web browser and navigate to any web page. Enter your NetID* username and password to get on the wireless network.
*What is YOUR NetID? Your NetID should be your email address without the @vassar.edu. For example, if your name were Sam Smith, your NetID would probably be sasmith. Your NetID password should be the same as your email password. If you have difficulties, please contact the helpdesk.
Details:
What is the "Vassar wireless network?"
In Spring 2006, Vassar installed a wireless data network across the campus.This network supports wireless connections using the 802.11a/b/g standard (also known as "Wi-Fi"). These standards are supported by virtually all computer manufacturers (including Dell, Apple, Lenovo and Gateway).
Where can I access the Vassar wireless network?
I am pleased to say that Vassar now offers wireless Internet access from virtually everywhere on campus. This means that you can get on the Vassar network from the residence halls, academic buildings, administrative buildings and many outdoor locations.
Can we really access the wireless network from anywhere on campus?
Our goal was, and is, to provide wireless access where it is needed. To that end we have installed wireless access points in all campus buildings with coverage extending to many outdoor locations. However, much like cell phone coverage, it is likely that some areas of the campus (either inside or outside) have either poor or no coverage. Should you encounter such an area and have a need to use wireless at that location, please let the Help Desk know (see below). While we can not guarantee that we will be able to reach every area with the wireless signal, we will certainly do our best to provide access where it is needed.
Is the wireless network replacing the wired network?
No. The wireless network is being provided in addition to the wired network. That means that each residence hall room offers both wireless access and traditional wired access to the Internet. So, if you are bringing a desktop computer to campus you will still be able to plug it into the existing wired network connections in your room. Some locations, such as residence hall rooms, the Library, and some classrooms will offer both wired and wireless access.
Do I need any special hardware to access the wireless network with my computer?
All you need to access the wireless network is a computer with wireless capabilities. Most recent laptops, regardless of the vendor, come with wireless capabilities (some refer to this feature as "Wi-Fi" or "802.11b" or "802.11g"). If you are unsure of whether or not your particular laptop has wireless capabilities, please feel free to contact our Help Desk either in person (on the 1st floor of the Computer Center), by email (helpdesk@vassar.edu), or by phone (845-437-7224). If you need to buy a wireless card for your laptop, our Computer Store can help. They can be reached by email (computerstore@vassar.edu), by phone (845-437-7252), or you can visit them on the first floor of the College Center.
Do I need my own wireless access point, such as one from Apple (Airport or Airport Express), Linksys, D-Link, etc.?
No. The wireless network is provided by Vassar and supported by the staff of Computing and Information Services (CIS).
Can I use my own wireless access point in my room?
No. Personal wireless access points can cause disruptions to the Vassar wireless network. The use of personal access points also compromises the security of our wireless network. For those reasons, personal access points will not be allowed to connect to the network. If our network monitoring system detects a personal access point, the access point will be disabled to prevent disruptions to the campus-wide wireless network. You would then need to remove the access point and contact CIS to reactivate your network port.
Can I connect other wireless devices to the network (such as wireless printers or game consoles)?
Requests to connect other types of wireless devices to the campus network will be handled on a case-by-case basis (the same is true for connecting non-computer devices to the wired network). Requests can be made through the Help Desk.
Will guests be able to use the wireless network?
Guest wireless is available to users without a NetID. The Guest wireless is bandwidth restricted and has limited access to Vassar resources (e.g. no access to Banner). For information on how to access the Guest wireless please contact the help desk.
Will my applications be affected? i.e. e-mail
No. You will still be able to access your applications and other Vassar’s services.
Will people "know what I am doing" when I use the wireless network? i.e. get my credit card info, etc.
Wireless connections are inherently insecure; however, logging onto the wireless network with your username and password is a secure transaction.
Standard browsers provide secure communications for sensitive transactions via SSL or Secure Socket Layer. Using SSL provides reasonable security while providing ease of use to the Vassar community.
Remember, the access is only as secure as the website you are visiting.
How will blocking for viruses work?
As with existing PCs and Laptops we strongly recommend use of anti-virus software. This software is available on the Vassar CIS website.
This page was last updated on 5/27/08.