1. What is the wireless network?
The UCDenver wireless network consists of a number of permanently installed access points in
various campus locations. It is built with 802.11a, 802.11g and 802.11n network hardware that is
Wi-Fi certified. The wireless network is an extension of the wired network infrastructure, which
allows increased mobility and flexibility for campus network users. 802.11b is not available from
UCDenver.
2. What kind of wireless card should I buy?
Wi-Fi protected access version 2 (WPA-2) capable; 802.11a, 802.11g or 802.11n.
3. Is there a Virtual Private Networking (VPN) client I need to install?
Yes please go to here.
4. What operating systems are compatible?
Supported operating systems include Windows XP Professional, Windows 7 and MacOS 10.X.
5. How fast is the wireless network?
802.11g and 802.11a supports data rates up to 54 Mbps. However, it is a shared medium (radio
waves), and there are many variables in radio coverage such as physical barriers like elevators or
heavy steel doors, human density, and number of network users. Actual throughput is usually 22
Mbps for 802.11g/a.
6. What is the range of a wireless device?
The range of a wireless device depends on many factors: radio interference, or “noise,” distance
from an access point, connection speed, and physical interference. Indoors, the range of a
wireless network card is between 50 and 200 feet. Outdoors (line of sight), the range can be up to
1,000 feet. Bluetooth can degrade the wireless signal.
7. What is an SSID?
SSID stands for Service Set Identity/Identifier. It is a name that represents which wireless
network a user is attached to. This is also called the “Network Name” by some vendors. We
have three on campus – GUEST, Auraria Campus and UCDenver.
Information about the UCDenver SSID (XpressConnect)- UCDenverSSID FAQ
8. What SSID should I use?
GUEST- guests at the Anschutz Medical Campus (AMC) and Downtown Campus (DC).
Note: Campus users can VPN from GUEST for internal resources. Actual guest access is limited
to the Internet.
Auraria Campus- guests at the downtown campus.
UCDenver-is for internal authentication campus users only.
Note: Use of this tool will configure the laptop is the most secure manor possible. Alternate
configurations will increase risk to the client.
1.
Connect to the GUEST wireless network
2.
Open a web browser
3.
Accept the Terms of Use
4.
Browse to https://xpressconnect.ucdenver.edu
9. Can I print from a wireless device?
Depends on what SSID you are on. For example, if you are on GUEST and not using VPN you
cannot print. If you are on UCDenver you can print.
10. Can University guests/visitors use the wireless network?
Yes. The guest's computer must have current anti-virus software and be up to date with
Microsoft patches. All they need to do is select the GUEST SSID and open their browser and
read instructions.
11. Can I use my PDA/Smartphone’s on the wireless network?
These can connect; see the Help Desk wiki for documentation. However we will not
troubleshoot these devices.
12. What about wireless security?
Wireless network security is a serious issue. Wireless is not only a shared medium, but also a
medium that is broadcast via radio waves. Therefore, anyone with a wireless card could monitor
your network traffic, which could include passwords, account numbers, etc. Thus the data is
inherently insecure. In order to protect data, please ensure it is encrypted using SSL, SSH, or
VPN.
13. What is WEP? Is it used at UCDenver?
WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy and is not used on the UCDenver wireless network.
WEP is an encryption method used with many wireless networks. There are several flaws in the
original WEP algorithms, and it is difficult to support in an open campus environment.
Fundamental problems with the encryption make WEP an insufficient security measure for use
on campus.
Campus standard is currently migrating from WEP to WPA-2 (wi-fi protected access version 2).
14. Can I setup my own wireless network in my office, lab or conference room?
No, IT Services is the exclusive provider of wireless technology on the UCDenver campus.
Wireless technology is easy to deploy, but is highly sensitive to overlapping frequencies. In
addition, access points can act as routers or DHCP servers if configured incorrectly, which can
disrupt service to other network users. Also, open wireless networks can allow unauthorized
access to the University network resources. For these reasons, IT Services is charged with
managing wireless technology on campus in a centralized fashion to ensure functionality,
maximum bandwidth, and security standards.
These would normally be referred to as unsanctioned devices or rogue access points. When we
see these on the network we attempt to contact the owner to get them removed or disable the jack
they are connected to.
15. Do I still need a regular (wired) Ethernet card?
Generally, the answer is yes. Most mobile users will want to use their computer on the wired
network where available, in addition to the wireless networks. Although wireless offers a very
mobile solution, it is slower, shared, and fundamentally more insecure than wired network
connections.
16. Are wireless waves a risk to my health?
Testing done on wireless network devices indicate no confirmed health risks at this time. You
should read the health information provided by your wireless card manufacturer and follow their
recommendations.
For additional information see www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html and http://www.ctia.org/
17. Does wireless interfere with other devices?
Yes, any 2.4GHz or 5 GHz device that is near the wireless access point or wireless card can
affect the performance and may shut off your network connection. These devices are usually
microwave ovens in close range, cordless phones, cameras and other 2.4GHz or 5 GHz wireless
devices. Other unsanctioned or rogue access points can interfere with the UCDenver wireless
network, so these devices are prohibited by policy to ensure interoperability and effective
frequency management. Blue tooth devices can also interfere and should be turned off when in
locations with a lot of wireless users.