Wireless FAQ

1. Can I have multiple systems on the network?
2. In Windows XP, I can see the Washburn network "WUPublic" but I cannot see the Internet. How do I fix this?
3. In Windows XP, my computer does not see the Washburn network but it works fine at home. How do I find the network?
4. In Windows XP, my computer does not have a Network Bridge but it still cannot see the WU network. How do I connect to the WU Network?
5. My internal wireless card is turned off. How do I turn it on?
6. What kind of wireless card do I need for Washburn's network?
7. What are some of the things that are not allowed on the campus network?
8. Why is my wireless connection slow, or slower than home?
9. Why do I suddenly lose my wireless connection for brief periods of time?
10. What can I do to improve my wireless signal?

 

Can I have multiple systems on the network?

Yes, all students, faculty, and staff are allowed up to 4 registered devices on the campus network, not including Washburn-supplied systems.

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In Windows XP, I can see the Washburn network "WUPublic" but I cannot see the Internet. How do I fix this?

Make sure the computer is accepting the wireless connection from a non-secured network. To do this, try the following:

1. Click on the Start button.
2. Select Control Panel (or Settings-Control Panel if you are using the "Classic Start Menu").
3. In the Control Panel, if you see the Category View, click the link on the left to "Switch to Classic View.")
4. Double-click on Network Connections.
5. Double-click on Wireless Network Connection (or the wireless connection your computer uses).
6. A pop-up window will give you the "Wireless Network Connection Status" or prompt with an error message stating "Choose a wireless network."
7. The "Choose a wireless network" window should have the "WUPublic" network listed as being "unsecured wireless network". Double-click on "WUPublic."
8. A pop-up window will indicate the network is unsecured. Click the Connect Anyway button.
9. The window should now list "WUPublic" as being connected.

If the status still does not show "connected," please reference some of the other questions.

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In Windows XP, my computer does not see the Washburn network but it works fine at home. How do I find the network?

You may have a Network Bridge in your setup. To check:

1. Click on the Start button.
2. Select Control Panel (or Settings-Control Panel if you are using the "Classic Start Menu").
3. In the Control Panel, if you see the Category View, click the link on the left to "Switch to Classic View.")
4. Double-click on Network Connections.
5. Make sure you do not have a Network Bridge in your setup. If you remove the bridge, you should be able to get onto Washburn’s network.

If the status still does not show "connected," please reference some of the other questions.

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In Windows XP, my computer does not have a Network Bridge but it still cannot see the WU network. How do I connect to the WU Network?

You may have hard coded your IP address for your wireless card. To work with the WU wireless:

1. Click on the Start button.
2. Select Control Panel (or Settings-Control Panel if you are using the "Classic Start Menu").
3. In the Control Panel, if you see the Category View, click the link on the left to "Switch to Classic View.")
4. Double-click on Network Connections.
5. Right-click on Wireless Network Connection (or the wireless connection your computer uses).
6. Select Properties.
7. On the General tab scroll down to Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
8. Double-click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
9. Checkmark the boxes next to Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
10. Click the OK button.
11. Click the OK button again.
12. Click on the Start button.
13. Click on Run.
14. In the Open field type cmd and then click the OK button.
15. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter. (Note: a space should be typed between "ipconfig" and "/release".)
16. When the prompt returns, type ipconfig /renew and press Enter. (Note: a space should be typed between "ipconfig" and "/renew".)
17. The system should return with an IP Address of 172.16.###.### or 172.17.###.### .

If the status still does not show "connected," please reference some of the other questions.

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My internal wireless card is turned off. How do I turn it on?

Most new laptops have an external switch on them. Check around your keyboard and around the sides of the laptop for a switch or button. Older laptops have a software switch. You may have to consult your laptop provider’s documentation to turn it on.

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What kind of wireless card do I need for Washburn’s network?

The majority of Washburn’s network supports 802.11g. There is support for 802.11a and the new 802.11n in some areas.

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What are some of the things that are not allowed on the campus network?

For a number of reasons there are certain things that are not allowed on the campus network. This is for your safety and security, and to ensure that you don’t inadvertently cause problems for others on the campus network. Use of the campus network is governed by the Washburn Acceptable Use Policy, below are some examples of things that we do not allow on the campus network:

• Equipment or data that are illegal under Federal or State Law
• Unauthorized wireless network access points (e.g. wireless routers)
• Unauthorized network switches and hubs
• Equipment providing unauthorized network services, such as DHCP, DNS, WINS, and NAT
• Equipment using network protocols other than those normally used for internet traffic

In general, you will be fine if you bring your computer, but please leave the networking to us.

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Why is my wireless connection slow, or slower than home?

WiFi is a “shared medium”, which means that each device connected on a particular channel shares the connection at the same time. Additionally, wireless networks are half-duplex, which means only one device can be transmitting at a time. These two factors can cause a decrease in speed as more devices connect to the network. At home you may be sharing your WiFi with 4 or more device, but in a large environment, like Washburn University, you may be sharing the connection with 20 or more devices per access point. While the network at Washburn is designed to handle this load there are limitations to the technology available at this time.

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Why do I suddenly lose my wireless connection for brief periods of time?

There are several factors that may lead to a disconnection. If the signal strength drops too low your device might lose its connection. Interference might be playing a role as well. WiFi uses a frequency range that does not require an FCC license and several other devices can use this frequency band as well. Microwave ovens, some cordless phones, baby monitors, and Bluetooth devices all operating in the 2.4 GHz range (same as WiFi) and may cause interference while in operation. Microwaves in particular can cause interference, as the output power of a microwave oven is several times that of a WiFi transmitter.

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What can I do to improve my wireless signal?

There are a few things that you can do if you are student in Residential Living.

• Only use WiFi with mobile devices. If you are a student in the Residential Living Halls, connect your non-mobile devices (game consoles, desktop PCs, etc) to the wired port. Each room has one wired connection per bed that provides a dedicated 100 Mbps connection. This will also free up airtime for fellow students.
• Disable WiFi on devices if not necessary. For example, if you have a printer with WiFi but are not using the WiFi functionality, disable it. Disable the wireless adapter on laptops while using a wired connection.
• Limit the usage of non-WiFi devices that may cause interference. Come up with a plan with your roommates to use a single microwave per living unit, or use the one provided in the kitchenette.
• Use compatibility with WiFi standards as criteria for purchasing a new device. The latest standard is IEEE 802.11n (aka WiFi N). In addition to higher data rates (300 to 600 Mbps possible) 802.11n works in either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency ranges. Consider getting a device with a dual-band WiFi adapter.
• Use the 5 GHz band if your device is capable. Though the 5 GHz range doesn’t have the range of 2.4 GHz, it does have more channels available for use (23 channels total) versus 2.4 GHz (3 channels) and is not as used by non-WiFi devices. With fewer devices providing interference the signal quality will increase, as will your throughput speed. Washburn University’s wireless network is primarily 2.4 GHz, but there is 5 GHz support in several building including, but not limited to, Memorial Union and the Residential Living Halls.

Move to an area with the best signal. While ITS is working toward 100% coverage, this takes time. In the meantime, if you are experiencing a weak signal move try moving around to find a stronger signal.