Wireless Frequently Asked Questions

• Why can't I logon to the wireless network? Why can't I logon to the wireless network?

First make sure that you are attempting to connect in a wireless hotspot zone. You can view the current hotspots here.

Second, make sure that your wireless network card is enabled. Windows users can do that by going to:

Start ----> Control Panel ----> Network Connections

Locate the Wireless Network Connection icon, right click it and select enable.

Lastly, make sure the SSID ( wireless network ID ) is set as "WestConn" you can change this by right-clicking on the wireless network connection icon, and entering "WestConn" in the SSID box.

*Centennial residence hall students will enter "ResNet" as the SSID. 

 

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• Where can I get more help? Where can I get more help?
Please contact University Computing at (203) 837-8467 for inquires.
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• Does wireless interfere with my cell phone? Does wireless interfere with my cell phone?
No.
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• What level of security will the University Computing offer for my wireless connection? What level of security will the University Computing offer for my wireless connection?
You should be aware that all wireless networks are inherently less secure than their wired counterparts. We recommend that you protect your sensitive information on this or any network by using software capable of encryption (such as SSH for telnet & ftp sessions, SSL, PGP or S/MIME for email messages, SSL for secure web sessions, etc.). While University Computing is taking steps to provide a secure environment for all users of the WCSU networks, University Computing assumes no responsibility for any loss of data or the compromise of private information such as passwords, credit card information, registration data, etc. while connected to the University network.
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• Is it true that a wireless connection disrupted more often than a wired network connection? Is it true that a wireless connection disrupted more often than a wired network connection?
It depends. Many factors may affect wireless connections (walls, desks, large metal objects, etc.). However, there are other devices that operate in the same 2.4GHz frequency range that can disrupt wireless connections. The largest offenders are 2.4GHz wireless telephones (but not cell phones), microwave ovens, etc.
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• Can I use a PDA or Pocket PC to access the wireless network? Can I use a PDA or Pocket PC to access the wireless network?
Yes, as long as your PDA or Pocket PC comes equipped with an 802.11b or 802.11g compliant card.
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• Can I expect same data transfer rate as shown in my connection speed? Can I expect same data transfer rate as shown in my connection speed?
The 802.11b wireless standards specification allows for a theoretical maximum connection speed of 11 Mbps (54Mbps for 802.11g). However, during wireless data transfer, administrative data exchanges take place between the wireless card and the wireless network's Access Point (AP) that can use up to 40% of the raw connection speed.

Your connection speed is also affected by the number of people connected to the AP. Your data transfer rate will drop as more people connect in a specific location. The type of activity the people sharing your AP are engaged in can affect your connection as well. For example, large data transfers will significantly slow down the connection for everyone. Your connection speed may also slow down as you move away from an AP. Other devices such as cordless phones or microwaves can cause interference as well.
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• What does 802.11 mean? What does 802.11 mean?
802.11 is a standard that was developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). It is the original wireless specification. Extensions of the 802.11 standard were given the same number with a letter suffix.

802.11 Provides up to 2Mbps transmission in the 2.4GHz band
802.11b Provides up to 11Mbps transmission in the 2.4GHz band
802.11a Provides up to 54Mbps transmission in the 5GHz band
802.11g Provides up to 54Mbps transmission in the 2.4GHz band
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• Can I do everything with a wireless connection that I could do with a wired network connection? Can I do everything with a wireless connection that I could do with a wired network connection?
The WestConn wireless network is part of a DMZ network. Wireless users will only be able to access items on the University network similar to when they connect to the internet from home. Some services that are known to have security issues have been blocked. Please note that wireless service is not intended to replace the University wired network.
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• Can I use wireless services outside of the coverage areas? Can I use wireless services outside of the coverage areas?
While it may be possible to connect to the WestConn's Wireless Network beyond the coverage areas but signal strength and throughput is not guaranteed.
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• What locations on campus have wireless network services available? What locations on campus have wireless network services available?
At this point the Wireless Network coverage is available at the following locations:

Midtown Campus ( view map )
- Haas Library (Full Coverage)
- Old Main, Third Floor, University Computing Office. (Full Coverage)
- Old Main, Outside Sitting Area. (Partial Coverage)
- Science Building (Full Coverage)
- Student Center, Lobby Area. (Full Coverage)
- Student Center, Snack Bar and Outside Sitting Area. (Full Coverage)
- Student Center, Student Technology Training Center. (Full Coverage)
- Student Center, TV Lounge. (Full Coverage)
- Student Center, Game Room. (Partial Coverage)
- Student Center/Higgins, Outside Sitting Area. (Full Coverage)
- Student Center, Commuter Lounge. (Full Coverage)
- Warner Hall, First Floor, Open Hall Area. (Full Coverage)
Westside Campus ( view map )
- Campus Center (Full Coverage)
- Centennial Hall (Full Coverage) *SSID = ResNet
- Grasso Hall (Full Coverage) *SSID = ResNet
- Pinney Hall (Full Coverage) *SSID = ResNet
- Westside Classroom Building (Full Coverage)
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Wireless Printing - Frequently Asked Questions

• Printing Emails and attachments Printing Emails and attachments

To print an email message or email attachment save it as a file on your computer. Then select the file using the Browse button.   

Outlook:
To save an email message, click File in the menu bar, then click Save As. On the Save As screen, select Rich Text Format (*.rtf) for Save as type:.

To save an attachment, right-click on the attachment, then select Save As. Or you can open the attachment and save it from the application.


Outlook Express:
To save an email message, click File in the menu bar, then click Save As. On the Save As screen, select HTML Files (*.htm, *html) for Save as type:.

To save an attachment, right-click on the attachment, then select Save As. Or you can open the attachment and save it from the application.

Hotmail:
To save an email message, open the Printer Friendly Version of the message. Click File in the menu bar, then click Save As.

To save an attachment, click Download File.


Yahoo:
To save an email message, click the Save Message Text link provided at the bottom of the message.

To save an attachment, click Download File.

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• Printing Web pages Printing Web pages
In most cases web pages protected by a log-in (requiring cookies or session IDs) cannot be printed. To print one of these pages:
Save the page as an html file on your PC (from your browser, select File>Save). Then use the Browse button to upload the saved page as a file.
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• What can I do if I wish to print a document not supported by the CPS? What can I do if I wish to print a document not supported by the CPS?

Some applications and operating systems provide the ability to "print" a document into a new Acrobat PDF file.

If your application and/or operating system does not support printing to a PDF file, there are some third-party tools available such as PrimoPDF. PrimoPDF is a free download available at http://www.primopdf.com . (Unfortunately, WestConn and University Computing cannot provide technical assistance and support for PrimoPDF).

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• What are the supported file types for the CPS? What are the supported file types for the CPS?

Below are the file types that are supported by the CPS:

• Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (see limitations)
• Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
• Postscript files
• Text files
• Web Pages (see limitations)
• HTML files
• Rich Text Files (.rtf)

Limitations

Below are some limitations to the supported file types:

• Office 2007. At present, Office documents saved in the Word 2007, Excel 2007, and PowerPoint 2007 will not work with the PrinterOn system. To print one of these documents, you will need to save it in a previous Office format.
• Web Pages. Additionally, there are limitations with printing web pages. Pages that require a username and password or use cookies to manage session data (e.g. a shopping cart) will not work with the CPS. Additionally, pages that use applets or have embedded multimedia content (e.g. Flash) may also not work.
  
  These pages may be printable via the CPS if they are saved as an Acrobat file. Please see What can I do if I wish to print a document not supported by the CPS?
• Linked Content. Documents that display external content will not print successfully. An example would be a Word document that displays a picture that is linked, rather than inserted or embedded.

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• Do I need to install printer drivers on my computer? Do I need to install printer drivers on my computer?

No; because CPS is web based, all you need is a web browser.




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• What printers are available via the CPS? What printers are available via the CPS?

Below are the printers on the Midtown campus that are available to the CPS:

• Student Technology Training Center (STTC) - SC 225
• Midtown Computer Center (MTCC) - Ruth Haas Library, Main level
• Midtown 24-Hour lab - SC 214a
• Science Building 24-Hour lab - SB 127

Below are the printers on the Westside campus that are available to the CPS:

• Westside Computer Center (WSCC) - WS 117
• Westside 24-Hour lab - WS 247c

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• How do I use the CPS? How do I use the CPS?
Instructions for using the CPS are found here.
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• Where can the CPS be used? Where can the CPS be used?
The CPS can be accessed from any point on the wireless and ResNet networks.
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• What is the CPS? What is the CPS?
The CPS (Campus Printing System) is a web-based utility that provides document printing for wireless and Residence Hall network (ResNet) users. CPS is made by PrinterOn.
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