Fairmont State Wireless Network FAQ

How does it work?
The wireless network provides internet access to mobile computers without cables. Instead, it uses radio communication between the computer and access points.

Why wireless?
The key advantage of wireless Ethernet is flexibility. Your PC does not have to be chained to a network jack. Network access can be found in places previously not available. And, in classrooms, conference rooms, and other venues, access to the network can be provided for less cost than with wired networks.

What do I need?
To connect, you will need a 802.11b or 802.11g compatible network card. Many modern laptops have these cards built in. While most operating systems can connect to our wireless network, Fairmont State University only supports Windows XP clients.

Signal Strength:
Some locations have a stronger signal than others. There are areas around the school where signal strength will be weak, for example, if you sit behind a steel/concrete elevator shaft.

Speed:
Depending on your network card, you could experience speeds up to 54 megabits per second (Mbps). Wireless uses a shared bandwidth that varies depending on your distance from each access point. Our wireless network is properly configured on each floor to handle "normal" types of activities (opening Word files, opening web pages, etc.). Avoid bandwidth intensive activities such as downloading large media files or playing bandwidth-intensive games when using this shared resource.

Security:
Fairmont State University utilizes Cisco VPN technology to ensure all communications between your PC and the campus network remain secure. This prevents other users on the wireless network from spying on unencrypted traffic from other wireless users.

Safety:
All devices on the market are approved by the FCC, which has a good public document on RF Safety.

Interference:
Problems may result from other devices using the same radio frequency. Fairmont State University uses the FCC unlicensed 2.4 GHz Industrial/Scientific/Medical (ISM) band. Wireless transmissions within that band conform to the IEEE 802.11 DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) wireless LAN specification. Certain other "wireless" devices exist in the market place that also employ the same 2.4 GHz frequency band and can cause interference to users of the wireless LAN service. These devices include, but are not limited to other IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN devices, cordless telephones, cameras, and audio speakers. Network Services requests that use of all other 2.4 GHz devices be discontinued in university-owned buildings. Please work with our staff for cases where the device is being used for a specific teaching or research application.

Problems:
Most problems with accessing the wireless LAN are related to setup - 95% of problems come from the client not configured properly.

For further assistance with troubleshooting, please contact the support center.

When reporting problems, please note:
  1. Your location
  2. The date(s) and time(s) you experienced the problem
  3. Estimated number of other users in your area
  4. What task you were attempting to perform
  5. What symptoms you experienced (no signal, etc.)