Help Documents
Wireless FAQ
What is wireless networking?
Wireless networking is the use of radio frequency signals to connect portable workstations - such as laptops or PDAs - to an Ethernet LAN. The present standard for wireless Ethernet is called 802.11b and specifies an 11 Megabit/second data transmission rate.
Today's wireless networks are composed of twprimary components, an access point and a wireless PCMCIA adapter. An access point converts the "wired" Ethernet signals tradiwaves and are typically installed in ceilings or mounted high in a wall. The wireless PCMCIA adapter looks and acts like a regular Ethernet card but the antenna protrudes slightly from the laptop and the battery life of the laptop is slightly decreased.
What's the range of the signal?
802.11b wireless networking has a range of about 300 meters in a large open space, such as an auditorium, and about 100 meters in a typical indoor office environment. Transmission speeds decrease as the distance between the portable workstation and the access point increases.
What areas on campus have wireless access points?
Access points have been installed at the following locations:
Atrium
Harry's Cafe
Library
Legal Clinic
Career Strategy and Advancement
Can I register a fixed IP address on the Wireless Network?
No. The Wireless Network was established to facilitate mobile, wireless computing where the emphasis is on availability of networking assets in a dynamic environment. Fixed IP address assignment runs counter to this purpose.
What PCMCIA wireless cards are supported?
Any 802.11b-compliant card should work, but we recommend you choose from the following list:
Lucent/Orinoc's TrueMobile/Dell TrueMobile 1150
Cisco's Aironet 340 series
Xircom CWE 1130
Where can I buy cards?
You can purchase PCMCIA wireless network adapters from local retailers. If you purchased a laptop through the Northwestern Law laptop program, it should already have a built-in wireless card.
How do I install my card?
Make certain that you have a supported wireless Ethernet card.
Install the PCMCIA card following the documentation provided with the card.
Install the Cisco VPN Client from the NU-NET software cd.
What if I've followed all your instructions and I still can't get on the wireless network?
Contact the IT Help Desk by phone at (312) 503-7000.
