Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's

Troubleshooting

How do I get started?
What type of laptop and wireless card should I buy?
Where can I use wireless?
What can I do with wireless?
How fast is a wireless connection and will my data be secure?
How can I protect myself from computer viruses over the wireless network?
Which operating systems does wireless support?
What about Windows CE and Linux?
I'm connected to the wireless network, but I cannot log into Novell. What can I do?
What if I am not a member of the University, can I use wireless?

1. How do I get started?

To connect to the Smith wireless network, you will need a laptop and a wireless card. Many laptops come with an internal wireless card already installed. If your laptop did not you will have to buy an external one. You will then need to install your wireless card following the card manufacturer's instructions exactly. During the card installation, you will be prompted for the SSID or Network Name. This field should be set to umd in lowercase. This information must be configured properly in order to connect to the Smith wireless network.

2. What type of laptop and wireless card should I buy?

Laptop minimum recommendations include: Windows XP, 128MB RAM, and a 20GB Hard drive. No specific laptop manufacturer is recommended however discounted systems are offered to University members through OIT Purchasing. The only wireless card requirement is that it meets the 802.11b standard.

3. Where can I use wireless?

In Van Munching Hall you can connect in both the Original and New Wing of the building. There are also many locations on the College Park campus outside of the Business School where wireless access is available. Here is a complete wireless coverage list for College Park.

If you are a Part-Time MBA student in either Washington D.C. or Shady Grove you too can take advantage of the Smith wireless network! In Washington DC wireless access is available on both the Ground and Concourse levels of the Ronald Reagan building as well as in the 330 suite. On the Shady Grove Campus wireless access is available in several locations including the Auditorium, Library, Building I and II Student Lounges, Multipurpose Rooms, and the Outdoor corridor between Buildings I and II.

4. What can I do with wireless?

Once connected, MBA Students, Faculty and Staff while having Internet access will also have access to many network based resources including Lotus Notes, Novell network space, (K:) and network printers. Undergraduate students will have Internet access.

5. How fast is a wireless connection and will my data be secure?

The wireless network provides a shared 11Mbps connection. Because it is shared, the more users connected in the same area at the same time, the slower the connection speed will be. If concerned about security, users should ensure they are using secure communications software when sending sensitive data over the wireless network. SSL Web browsers and SSH are examples. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) service is available that will provide even more security for users that require it. Please refer to the following link for more information regarding VPN.

6. How can I protect myself from computer viruses over the wireless network?

Virus traffic can significantly affect the wireless network. It is critical that your machine be clean of any existing worms and/or viruses and patched for future ones. Please be sure to have Anti-Virus software installed including the most up-to-date definitions (DAT files). If you do not have Anti-Virus software you may download McAfee free from OIT by visiting the OIT Virus Help Page. During the installation be sure to 'Update Now' and 'Run On-Demand Scan'. To read about current virus threats and to sign up for the Virus Alerts Notification program visit the OIT Virus Alert Page. To make sure your machine is patched visit Microsoft Windows Update and install all available updates.

7. Which operating systems does wireless support?

Wireless works with both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. It is recommended however that you use Windows XP Home or Professional edition when attempting to connect to the Smith wireless network.

8. What about Windows CE and Linux?

Most Windows CE devices as well as the Linux operating system also work with the Smith wireless network. Information regarding the setup of these devices can be found by visiting their specific vendors. Linux information provided by the Linux users group can be found at the following location: Linux Setup Information.

9. I'm connected to the wireless network, but I cannot log into Novell. What can I do?

Several users have experienced difficulties logging into Novell over the wireless network. We have come up with a workaround that includes re-installing the Novell Client. Please re-visit Novell Client and take note of the new instructions in red.

10. What if I am not a member of the University, can I use wireless?

Yes, guest access is available for visitors that are sponsored by faculty or staff. If you require guest access please email wireless@nts.umd.edu with the number of accounts required. In the email please include duration of access needed as well as contact information for verification. Please allow up to 4 hours for request to be completed.