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 — in classrooms, 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.
Wayne State University begins project to upgrade to next-generation, high-performance wireless networking. WSU Press Release, March 24, 2008
This technology initiative more than doubles wireless Internet access in WSU classrooms, research buildings, and libraries on its main campus, and places Wayne State University at the forefront of providing 802.11n Wi–Fi technology. Benefits:
Note: In general, built-in support for wireless networks improves greatly with newer releases of computer operating systems.
You will 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.
See the next section for more about 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.
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:
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.
Note: If you are looking to buy a laptop, see C&IT's Guide for Buying Laptop Computers.
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.
You can use a PDA to make a wireless connection through wireless@wayne with a Windows Mobile 5 or 6 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.
Currently, wireless@wayne is available in the buildings listed in the linked table below. The wireless standard available in each building also is identified (802.11b/g/n or 802.11b/g), along with any notes about signal availability within the building.
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.
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?" 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.
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.
Note: If you roam out of range, or your computer goes into sleep mode or is turned off for more than 3 minutes, WSU’s wireless network will log you out.
Wayne State's wireless@wayne service runs on an open network — just like many cafes, public libraries, and other establishments with Wi-Fi hotspots. Because it is an open network, there are some security issues to consider.
Your password is protected (encrypted) during the wireless@wayne 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. Websites that use SSL have an "https://" prefix, and they also display a padlock icon in your browser. An example of a secured Website at WSU is:
More information about SSL Websites can be found at http://www.computing.wayne.edu/safecomputing/webbrowsing.php#ssl
All Wayne State employees, including graduate assistants, can use the VPN service at WSU. To learn more about the VPN at WSU, visit http://computing.wayne.edu/vpn/
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:
To make sure that you set up a wireless network in line with established network policy, first contact one of the following offices:
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.
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.
