Wireless Network on Campus
Accessing wireless
- What is wireless Internet?
- Where can I access wireless?
- How close do I need to be to an access point to log on to the Internet?
Getting started
- What do I need to connect to the Internet with wireless?
- How do I log on so I can access the Internet?
- How do I log off the Internet?
Using your wireless Internet
- How secure is wireless?
- What services can I access with wireless?
- How do I use email with wireless?
- How fast is wireless Internet?
- Can I download files using wireless?
Getting help
Wireless do's and don'ts
Accessing wireless
What is wireless Internet?
Your computer connects to the Internet via radio waves rather than over wires. You need to connect to a wireless LAN (WLAN), which is a local area network. Each WLAN has one or more base stations (called access points) which bridge the data into the wired network.
Where can I access wireless?
The Student Wireless Network now covers most of the public areas of the campus, such as the Library, Sam building and many building courtyards. The attached map shows coverage as at April 2006 and will be updated as more locations are added.
How close do I need to be to an access point to log on to the Internet?
You can check whether you have access from where you’re sitting by turning on your computer. If you are within range of an access point you will get a message telling you that your computer has found a network, but you are not connected.
If you are not connected, you will receive a message telling you that the wireless network is not available.
Getting Started
What do I need to connect to the Internet with wireless?
You need a laptop with wireless capability. Many new laptops come already equipped with WI Fi compatibility.
If your laptop does not have this function built in, you need to buy a network card to slot into the side of your computer. These cost approximately $100 - $200 and are available at computer shops.
Make sure when you buy a card that you choose one of the standards the University supports, i.e. either 802.11b or 802.112g.
How do I log on so I can access the Internet?
- When you turn on your computer, you will receive a message telling you that your computer has found a network, but you are not connected.
- Click on Start and go to Connect to wireless network. If you have been on other wireless networks, you may see other network symbols. You need to click on the Macquarie University network symbol.
- You can browse the Macquarie University website without authentication, but if you wish to go to an external website, as soon as you enter the URL, you will be directed to a log in page.
Log in with your Student ID and myMQ password.
How do I log off the Internet?
If you have pop ups enabled, a pop up window will appear on your screen once you have logged in. Click on the Click to Logout link in the pop-up window to log out.
If you have Windows XP, the pop up window function is disabled. You need to activate pop ups for this particular page. To do this, go to https://wireless.ics.mq.edu.au/login.pl, click on Tools, and under Pop-up Blocker, turn off Pop-up Blocker.
If your browser doesn't support pop-up windows, restarting or shutting down (correctly) will usually log you off.
Using your wireless Internet
How secure is wireless?
By their nature, wireless networks are not terribly secure. Your log in and password are encrypted, but most other traffic through wireless could possibly be intercepted. This is similar to most Internet information. Click here for more information.
What services can I access with wireless?
You have browser access and access to commonly used secure sites.
How do I use email with wireless?
You can access email through the student portal.
How fast is wireless Internet?
How fast your connection is will depend on the configuration of your laptop – it will be either 11 or 54 mbps.
Can I download files using wireless?
Yes, you can download files, but there are restrictions on the size of downloads and this is controlled by the University’s networking team.
Getting help
What help can I expect from the Help Desk?
The Help Desk will assist with wireless setup and basic troubleshooting on laptops using MS Windows XP only. Generic hardware support is not available.
The Help Desk will not provide assistance with:
- PDAs
- Recharging batteries – remember to bring a second battery with you.
Wireless do's and don'ts
If you’re new to using wireless, here are a few tips to help you get started.
- Remember to bring a second battery. The University does not supply electricity to recharge your batteries. You can put a second battery in your CD drive.
- Think of those around you. If you want to listen to music, please use headphones.