Wireless @ SUNY Potsdam
SUNY Potsdam's Wireless Network is now online and available to members of the campus community.What is W@SP?
W@SP is a standard 802.11b/g implementation of wireless. A wireless network is nothing more than data communication over radio frequencies. There are numerous wireless access points (WAPs) located strategically around campus, each connected to the "wired" network and sending out radio waves to wireless adapters in laptops and other devices. The 802.11b standard means that the radio waves are transmitted at 2.4GHz, and that data is transmitted at 11Mbps. 802.11g devices also transmit at 2.4 GHz, though data moves at 54 Mbps.
Where is it available?
Check the WAP Map to find the current list of wireless access points around the college campus. The map will be kept up-to-date as W@SP expands to other areas. Wireless networks are NOT a replacement for wired networks given their bandwidth limitations. As such, there are no plans to blanket the entire campus with wireless coverage. However, wireless will be available in places that "make sense" (study areas, conference rooms, common areas, etc.).
What can I do while on the wireless network?
When connected to W@SP, you have the same level of access to campus and Internet services as you would if logged into the wired network. This includes access to e-mail, network storage, the web, instant messaging, etc. As always, you are bound by the Acceptable Use Policy.
What do I need? What is supported?
You will need a laptop capable of 802.11 networking (currently 802.11b or 802.11g)
Hardware and OS Requirements:
- PC laptop running Windows XP or Windows 2000
- Macintosh laptop running OSX
If your laptop did not come with wireless built-in, you will need to purchase an 802.11b or 802.11g PCMCIA wireless networking adapter (802.11g will step down to the slower b speed). The prices for these adapters vary from under $100 to over $200. There are several 802.11 type adapters and the College Store may have some for sale. Handheld computers and PDAs may or may not have wireless capability.
How do I get connected?
Getting connected is very straightforward with standards-based equipment. To connect to W@SP, you must:
- Setup your computer for wireless access
With modern operating systems, if your computer came with wireless built-in or you installed a wireless PCMCIA card, your computer is probably all set to work with W@SP. If you have trouble, or need OS-specific help, refer to our Help page. For best results, we recommend that you be within range of an access point when attempting to setup your computer.
- Be within range of a Wireless Access Point (WAP)
Software that came with your card should show you your signal strength. Once you are within range and have a decent signal, you will see that the wireless network "W@SP" is available. W@SP is our SSID.
- Open a web browser and register for access
If this is your first time on SUNY Potsdam's Wireless Network, you will need to register for access. Simply open your web browser to be presented with the registration page. Register using your Campus Computer Account and minutes later you will be online. You will only need to do this once as long as you are in the database, however CTS may purge the database periodically.
What if my operating system is not supported?
CTS cannot support every variaton of computer and OS. If your OS is not supported, or you need more info, please check the Technical FAQ which contains a lot of information pertinent to our wireless environment. For information about your specific device or operating system, you will have to refer to other sources of documentation including user manuals, the Web, etc.
Airspace Policy
In order for SUNY Potsdam's wireless network to operate at the highest level, management of the campus airspace is a necessity. As such, CTS has an Airspace Policy in effect to help manage interference problems from other wireless devices.
Further Info
If you have questions or problems, and have exhausted the resources on the Help and Technical FAQ pages, please contact the CTS Helpdesk at x2083 or helpdesk@potsdam.edu.