How does wireless work?
A wireless connection functions like a standard wired connection, but uses radio frequencies instead of a cable to provide the network connection. In order to use the wireless network, your wireless network card must be configured with the SSID, or network name. Our SSID, "lighthouse" is broadcast continuously by each access point on campus, so your wireless network card should detect it automatically. As long as you stay near a wireless access point, you will have an Internet connection. All Windows-based computers connecting to the wireless network are required to run the Clean Access Agent. Clean Access verifies that your computer has proper updates (patches) and virus protection, ensuring that your computer is safe to be on the wireless network. While connected to the wireless network, the Clean Access Agent will remain behind the scenes protecting your computer and the network.

Which wireless card should I buy?
Any 802.11b or 802.11g wireless network card will work on CCSU's wireless network. Refer to the manufacturer's hardware and system requirements before purchasing a wireless network card.

What are the operating system requirements?
Windows 2000, XP, and Vista are operating systems that have been configured and tested with our wireless network. Mac OS X with Cisco Aironet 350 Client Adapter and an Apple Airport Card are supported on the wireless network.

How do I install and configure my wireless network card?
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing your wireless NIC. There are two settings you need to configure during PnP installation. The first setting is the wireless mode being used. You will be given a choice between Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc, choose Infrastructure. The next setting will be the SSID of the network you are connecting to. The SSID will automatically be discovered by your wireless card.

How do I get a CCSU BlueNet Account?
Students can create their own account by accessing CCSU Account Management. Faculty and Staff should fill out an account request form from IT here.

How do I use the wireless network at CCSU?
The wireless network is now protected and managed by the clean access system. If you do not have Clean Access, follow these instructions on installing the Clean Access Agent .

Where can I access the Wireless Network?
Most of the buildings, residence halls, and open outdoor areas have wireless network access. You can view all the locations on campus that have wireless access on our coverage map. While you are connected to the wireless network, your wireless network card continuously searches for stronger signals and switches over with uninterrupted service. If you leave a wireless access area, your computer will disconnect from the wireless network.

Is the wireless network secure?
No, users are advised to not access sensitive unencrypted data over the wireless network. In general normal web traffic (http://) is unencrypted. Secure web traffic (https://) is encrypted and would be fine to access from the wireless network. Most financial institutes and email systems operate over secure http.

What connection speeds and range should I expect?
802.11b/g specifics speeds between 2-54 MB/s & ranges from 150' inside and 300-500' outside. This is a shared bandwidth, so your speed will fluctuate depending on the number of users connected and the traffic they initiate. Wireless signals work in planes. If you are have difficulty receiving a strong signal, try the following:

• Purchase a higher powered NIC
• Avoid obstacles (especially metal objects)
• Move your notebook around and try to change your angle to the access point