Body
General Questions
What does it mean to say that the campus is “wireless”?
The wireless network at Indiana State University allows laptop computers and portable devices to connect to the campus network using wireless/radio frequency technology rather than by the traditional Ethernet card. The ISU wireless network supports the 802.11a/b/g/n standards. The campus wireless network does not support cellular technologies.
Does/will the wireless network replace the wired network?
No. The wireless network is offered as an added service, primarily for laptop users. Use of the wireless network is entirely optional.
Where can I use wireless?
All Academic Buildings and Residence Halls are wireless. Additionally the outdoor areas at Dede plaza and Memorial Stadium. Limited outdoor coverage is available at the Michael Simmons Student Activity Center and the Bob Warn Baseball field.
How does the wireless network work?
Devices called “access points” (AP’s) are installed throughout the campus. These access points are connected to the wired network. The wireless adapter in your device uses radio frequencies to communicate with the access point, and through it to the campus network and the Internet.
Are students/faculty/staff required to use the wireless network?
No. Use of the wireless network is completely optional. It is provided as an additional method of connecting to the Indiana State University network.
Why would I want to use the wireless network?
The advantage of the wireless network is that it provides mobility. Using a wireless card in your laptop allows you to access the ISU network from locations that do not have traditional network connections, such as common areas, lounges and the outdoors. It can be used while doing research in the library. It can be used to connect to the network during a meeting in a conference room or from a classroom if these locations are within reception range.
Why would I want to use the wired network?
The advantage of the wired network is that it provides consistent and solid network connectivity. Additionally it not subject to interference from other wireless sources.
What can interfere with the wireless?
While Indiana State University provides a pervasive indoor wireless environment on campus, the wireless environment is still subject to interference from a variety of objects that share the same radio channels. These devices can include any that operates in the 2.4GHz band for 802.11b/g/n and 5 GHz band for 802.11a/n/ac. Some examples are:
- Cordless Phones
- Other access points not part of the ISU network: Adjacent Businesses, personal hot spots on cellular phones, or rogue access points.
- Microwave Ovens
- Wireless Game Controllers
- Bluetooth Devices
- Objects within the buildings: furniture and other objects can reduce the wireless signal strength.
Do I have to purchase special equipment to access the wireless network?
The minimum requirement is an 802.11g adapter that supports the WPA2 enterprise standards for ISU-SECURE or eduroam access. ISU-OPEN / guest minimum requirement is 802.11g. Our network supports 802.11a/ac/ax/g/n standards. As long as your device supports at least the 802.11g standard you will be able to use the wireless network. If your device does not have a wireless adapter built in you will need to purchase a wireless adapter as recommended by your device manufacturer. You will need to make sure you purchase devices with an internal wireless card at least meeting the 802.11 g specification. We do not support 802.11b.
Can I bring my own access point, switch or router to use on campus?
Personal wireless access points, network switches and routers are not permitted on campus as they can interfere with functioning of the campus network. If you have questions about the network or how to connect you are encouraged to visit the Student Computer Support Center located in the basement of Stalker Hall or contact the Technology Support Center at 812-237-2910.
Can I use wireless from home?
No. Campus wireless is only available while on campus. To use the wireless adapter off campus will require an access point and an internet connection.
How do I connect to the wireless network?
Students, Faculty and Employees
Connect to the ISU-SECURE or eduroam wireless network when detected by your device. You will be prompted for your username and password. Should you be prompted to accept a certificate, accept it. For more information on connecting to ISU-SECURE visit Article - Connecting to ISU-SECURE Wi.... or for information on connecting to eduroam visit
Guests
Connect to the ISU-OPEN wireless network. Once connected launch a web browser and you will prompted to enter your guest credentials. For more information on how to get a guest account visit Article - How to Connect to ISU-OPEN ....
What is eduroam wireless?
eduroam (education roaming) is a secure, worldwide wireless network access system developed for the international research and education community. Current ISU students, faculty, and staff, as well as retired faculty and staff, can connect to eduroam at member institutions using your full ISU email address and password. For moreii information please see Article - Eduroam service for Indiana...
What if my device can’t connect to the ISU-SECURE or eduroam wireless network?
If your device does not support WPA2 Enterprise security you can connect to the ISU-OPEN network on wireless. you should contact the OIT Technology Support Center for assistance.
How do I connect to the wired network?
The wired connections in the Residential Halls are setup so that you may simply plug in your device and use the network. However, it may be necessary to contact the OIT Technology Support Center to request that the jack be activated should it not work. For instructions on how to login to the wired network in the Residential Halls please see Article - How to Connect to the Wired....
The wired connections in all Academic and Administrative builds are restricted to only registered devices. Faculty and Employees can request a network jack to activated and have an IP address assigned to their device by contacting the OIT Technology Support Center at 812-237-2910.
What if I am trying to connect to the Residential Hall Wired connections but my device doesn’t have a browser to login to the network?
A method has been setup so that you may register your device with the network. Visit Article - Supported Wireless Devices ... for complete instructions on how to register your device. Device registrations are periodically cleared at the end of each semester to clear up database space, you will simply need to re-register your device if you are still on campus.
Why does my device seem to have trouble staying connected when I walk between buildings?
While Indiana State University provides a pervasive indoor wireless environment, there are only limited locations with outdoor coverage. Moving outdoors will cause devices to lose signal with the campus network. It should re-establish a connection to the campus network when you move back indoors or close to a building.
If you are using a Cellular based phone or smart device that is also 802.11 a/ac/ax/g/n capable, your device may change back to your Cellular provider’s network while outside away from the ISU network. This will cause your device to take a few moments to figure out which network is the strongest and re-adjust itself to the new settings. When moving back indoors, the exact same process takes place only in reverse.
With that said it has been observed that some devices deal with this transition from one network to another or loss of signal better than others. Patience is a key factor with devices, they should correct themselves quickly or in worse case situations you may need to turn off your wireless in your device and turn it back on to correct the problem. If you encounter this frequently, check for updates from your provider/device manufacturer. Sometimes new updates will resolve these issues.
Can I connect to resources on campus while off-campus?
Many of the campus computing resources are available from off campus. Some specific and secure services are only available through the campus VPN available to Faculty and Employees -See Article - VPN (Virtual Private Networ... for more information.
Why doesn’t my Cell phone work inside all the buildings?
Indiana State University doesn’t supply cellular coverage in any buildings. What you are receiving is what is transmitted from your provider’s towers around campus.