Wireless FAQ

The wireless network is changing!  Click here to find out more!

Wireless FAQ

 

What wireless services are available?
Wireless service on campus provides the same level of access to college resources as if you were at home via an Internet browser. A direct connection to the College network is not available.

What do I need to use wireless?
You need a wireless device with able to communicate with either 802.11b or 802.11g with that is compatible with the 802.1x protocol

What kind of laptop and operating systems should I use for wireless access?
CPCC's wireless is compatible all standard wireless devices and operating systems.

What kind of Network Interface Card should I use for wireless access?
Any Network Interface Card (NIC) that is stated to be 802.11b or 802.11g compatible should work.

Can I buy an external NIC on campus?
Currently the campus bookstore does not stock external NICs. However, most chain electronics retailers (e.g., Best Buy, Circuit City) have them in stock.

Where can I access wireless?
All buildings at all campuses as well as many outdoor areas.

Do I have access to the specific departmental resources with wireless computing?
In most cases you will NOT have access to departmental resources unless the information is accessible via a web browser.

Can I download files with wireless access?
Only files that are transported via a web browser can be downloaded locally.

Do I have access to my E-Locker with wireless computing?
Access to the E-Locker is accessible through wireless networking by browsing to https://secure.cpcc.edu/snap/elocker/.

Where can I print with wireless access?
Wireless printing is not supported.

How do I setup my laptop for wireless access?
Read the installation and configuration information provided with your Network Interface Card (NIC).  Once your NIC is installed, follow the instructions to setup your wireless connection for the CPCC wireless network.

Will I have to login more than once to the wireless network?
Only one login is typically needed per computing session. As long as radio contact with a campus wireless transmitter is maintained, roaming across campus is possible with no additional login or address release/renew. If radio contact is lost, you will have to login again. Suspending/sleeping the laptop while relocating from one building to another will also require additional login.

How do I log off the wireless network?
To end the wireless computing session, simply click the “Click here to Logoff” icon in the Logoff popup window. This may have been minimized during the session and is available via the Task Bar.

What is wireless authentication?
Authentication verifies the identity of users and restricts access to computing resources to University personnel, students, and guests only. Authentication occurs when you attempt to login to the wireless network by submitting the CPCC Login ID and password. Once login is approved you are redirected to the CPCC web page and can browse the Internet.

What is wireless encryption?
Encryption is a method of coding the data to make it less susceptible to viewing and tampering by undesired parties. On the CPCC wireless network only the CPCC Login ID and password are encrypted .Only transaction to secure web sites such as Mycollege, E-Locker, and other services available through the college portal.

Will my username and password be protected when accessing the wireless network?
Your CPCC Login ID and password are encrypted and protected against snooping.

What encryption is used by the wireless network?
Only your CPCC Login ID and password are encrypted via Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology, an industry standard form of encryption. Any data transmitted during your wireless computing session will not be encrypted. When encryption is in use a “locked padlock” icon will appear on your Task Bar.

Can I use data encryption over wireless?
Currently, native wireless encryption available with your operating system or wireless client utility is not enabled for use on campus. Therefore data transmitted during your wireless computing session will not be encrypted. Sites using SSL security are encrypted.

Does encryption eliminate the need for a firewall over wireless?
Firewalls do not provide data encryption. Instead, they permit or deny types of data traffic to your PC. A firewall is not required and can interfere with your ability to establish a wireless computing session.

I used wireless before, why won't it work now?
The most likely causes of this problem are:

Loss of radio signal
Wireless NIC is not enabled
Radio Network name or SSID is incorrect or not entered

How far away can I be from the wireless antenna?
The farther away you are from the antenna, the slower the connection. Up to about 100 feet from the access point, you can expect 11MB of bandwidth. From 100 to 200 feet, you can expect 5MB of bandwidth. Beyond 200 feet, service drops to 1MB of bandwidth until you move completely out of range. These connection speeds are under optimal conditions and other factors can contribute to a slow connection.

Why can I use wireless at home, but not at the College?
Ensure the wireless NIC is enabled and the Ethernet or LAN NIC is disabled.
Ensure you have configured and selected
Radio Network or SSID as "CPCCWireless".
Ensure that WEP encryption is disabled.

If I suspend my wireless session will I have to begin again?
The computer stops communicating with the radio network when suspended or put into sleep mode. If the laptop doesn't respond for 3-5 minutes, the radio network terminates the session.

When you restart the laptop and web browser after termination, the browser will redirect to the login screen. Enter your CPCC Login ID and password. If you can't successfully authenticate, your IP address lease has likely expired.

You can release and renew the IP address by typing the following at a Command Prompt:

C:\> ipconfig /release
C:\> ipconfig /renew

If this procedure is not familiar to you, it is strongly recommended that you reboot your laptop and then ensure your wireless NIC is enabled.

How do I get help with wireless access?
Limited Technical support is available by contacting the CPCC ITS Help Desk at 704.330.5000 or at helpdesk@cpcc.edu