FAQ

What do I need to use wireless with my laptop computer or PDA?

Many laptop computers and PDAs have built-in wireless networking. If yours does not, you will have to purchase an 802.11b or 802.11b/g network adapter that is 802.1X compatible. 802.1X compatibility is critical, as that is the security protocol that facilitates access to the system. Any 802.11b/g network device that fully supports the 802.1X protocol should work.

You will also need to purchase or download an appropriate 802.1X client that matches your computer and operating system version. See the Getting Started Checklist for information.

When purchasing wireless products, please keep in mind that private access points and base stations are not permitted on campus because they may interfere with the college's wireless network.

What is 802.1X?

802.1X is an IEEE port-based authentication standard that works on both wired and wireless LANs. 802.1X prevents devices from utilizing a network until they have successfully authenticated to the network.

On wireless LANs, 802.1X can provide for per-user dynamic encryption keys. This means that each user has his or her own encryption keys, to provide a much more secure environment than standard WEP solutions. In addition to providing encryption keys, 802.1X can rotate those keys at a specified interval.

Why use it?

Campus interconnectivity. Many students have expressed interest in having a seamless campus wireless network. 802.1X gets us closer to that step by allowing distributed, de-centralized authentication. The model we have chosen allows end departments to use their own user accounts in the 802.1X fabric, while still allowing those users to authenticate anywhere else on campus that is using this distribution mechanism for authentication.
802.1X is an IEEE standard. Because it is an IEEE standard, it will likely be supported by vendors better than other proprietary authentication mechanisms.
802.1X can provide for dynamic, per-user, rotating WEP keys. In a traditional Web-based authentication system, standard WEP authentication would do no good. All users would be required to use the same WEP key to associate to the network before authenticating. Because all users share the key, no encryption would actually be provided, as every person would be able to decrypt every other person's wireless traffic. There is also the issue of unauthenticated users sniffing authenticated user traffic. All of this happens in the background, transparently to the user. While 802.1X can provide for this functionality, it is not mandated by the standard. It is up to individual wireless access point manufacturers to ensure that their 802.1X equipment provides per-user keys.
802.1X provides background reauthentication. In a typical Web-based authentication environment, users may be required to re-authenticate frequently. This is especially true with wireless networks where intereference can cause dropped packets, and high packet retransmission volume. 802.1X helps solve this problem by automatically re-authenticating the user in the background when the user has been kicked off the network.

How do I obtain an 802.1X client and learn to configure it?

Visit the Getting Started Checklist for information.

What is the difference between 802.11a, b and g?

802.11b wireless protocol (11Mbs) is the most commonly used and has now been superceded by backwards compatible 802.11g (54Mbs). The college wireless system will respond to either 802.11b or 802.11g devices. 802.11a is a standard that will not be supported fully at the college because its advantages have been incorporated into the 802.11g standard. Although some 802.11a connectivity may be provided in some areas, we recommend that you use the 802.11b/g standards.

How secure is the college wireless network?

The college wireless network uses 802.1X authentication to ensure that only authorized users can use the service. In addition, it uses advanced encryption using rotating "keys" that protect the privacy of your transmitted information.

However, wireless networking is intrinsically not as secure as wired communications because it is still subject to "eavesdroppers" who can possibly "hack" your communications. We do not recommend using wireless connections to transmit credit card or other critical information.

How fast is the wireless nework?

Depending on how close you are to a wireless hotspot device, and how mnay people are using that hotspot, you may get anywhere from 1Mb to as much as 20 Mbs. It's important to remember that the number of people using a particular access point affects the network's speed.

How many people can be on the wireless network at once?

It depends on how those people are using the network.

The traffic in each wireless area is controlled by an access point. Under normal conditions, an access point can handle traffic from several dozen users at once. But, each access point can handle only so much traffic at any one time. If there's too much traffic in one area, the network may become slow.

It's important to remember that it's the total amount of data being moved back and forth that matters. Just a few individuals could bog down a network if each person is moving very large files. You should always be considerate of other users and refrain from engaging in any "data-intensive" operations while you're on the wireless network.

Why is my connection not stable?

While the infrastructure may be stable, there are other factors that may affect your connection. Microwave ovens, wireless cameras, 2.4 Ghz cordless telephones and other wireless access points such as Apple Airport Base stations are all known to interfere with wireless networks.

If you are experiencing trouble getting or staying connected, or traffic on the network seems very slow, look around and see if any of these devices are in the neighborhood. You can use the utilities that you installed for your wireless card to determine your signal strength and signal quality and to move to a more favorable location.

Does using the wireless network drain my laptop's battery?

Yes. Expect a hit on battery life when using a wireless card in a laptop. How much of a drain on battery life varies according to model of laptop and battery. Obviously, how much you're using the laptop will have a big effect, too. Your operating system and the software you installed with your card will probably have utilities for conserving battery life.

Can I use a PDA with the wireless nework?

Yes. PDAs must be running Pocket PC 2002 or PocketPC 2003, be equipped with an 802.11b compliant adapter, and be using an 802.1X client (such as the Aegis or Alfa & Ariss client ).

I don't know my Brooklyn College e-mail address. How do I look it up?

Visit the college's Portal and look for e-mail info in the MY INFO channel.

Where do I call for assistance?

Each of the major wireless equipped facilities (such as the ITS labs, the Library Café, the Library and the Honors College) have staff that can answer your questions about wireless access. If you need additional information, you may e-mail us or call 718.677.6180, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.