Franklin University Wireless Network FAQ

• Where are the Wireless Network access points?
• How do I connect and login to Franklin University's Wireless Network?
• What can I access through Franklin University's Wireless Network?
• Is the Wireless Network secure?
• What Terminology or Acronyms do I need to know?
• What hardware do I need to connect to the Franklin University Wireless Network?
• What software and configurations do I need to connect to the Franklin University Wireless Network?
• How do I configure the SSID on my computer or PDA?
• How do I configure WEP on my computer or PDA?
• Can I use my firewall with the Wireless Network?
• Can I print from the Wireless Network?
• Where can I get help?

Where are the Wireless Network access points?

Wireless access is available at Franklin University's main campus in downtown Columbus in the following locations:

• Franklin University's Nationwide Library
• Frasch Hall, First Floor Main Lobby
• Ross Auditorium

How do I connect and login to Franklin University's Wireless Network?

The following outlines the general procedure for connecting to the Wireless Network, barring any anomalies or quirkiness.

1. Associate with the Access Point.

If you have the proper hardware, software, and configurations, this may happen automatically when you turn on your wireless compatible device. If you are not automatically connected, consider the following:

1. Configure your SSID. (See How do I configure the SSID on my computer or PDA? below.)
2. Configure your WEP. (See How do I configure WEP on my computer or PDA? below.)

2. Launch your Web browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator).

If you have the proper hardware, software, and configurations, you will automatically be directed to the Franklin University Wireless Network Login page. Proceed by completing the login procedure as instructed on the login page.

What can I access through Franklin University's Wireless Network?

Franklin University's Wireless Network is designed to provide some of the most basic and necessary Internet protocols. However, due to bandwidth and security issues, not all Internet protocols are supported. Based on the needs of our students, faculty and staff, we support the following protocols:

• HTTP
• HTTPS
• SSH
• SFTP
• OhioLINK access
• SMTP
• POP3
• IMAP4

In general, HTTP and HTTPS are sufficient protocols for standard Web browsing. For most users, it is not important that you know or understand the protocols being used. However, for more advanced users, or those that typically use the Internet for more than standard Web browsing, knowing the above list of protocols that are available through Franklin University's Wireless Network may be useful.

Is the wireless network secure?

Wireless networks are inherently insecure. Franklin University makes no claim as to the security of information transmitted over a wireless connection. By logging in you agree to use this wireless service at your own risk.

What Terminology or Acronyms do I need to know?

The following terms and acronyms are often used when discussing wireless networking. However, it is not necessarily important for you to know and understand each of the definitions below. They are provided here for your convenience.

• 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g - 802.11 is a number that is used to refer to the widely accepted specifications that were developed for wireless networking. The specifications were developed by IEEE, a professional organization dedicated to the computer and electronics industries. The appended a, b or g represents a variance of the 802.11 specifications. Franklin University's Wireless Network supports the a, b and g variances.
• Access Point - The hardware and software hub that a wireless device communicates with, allowing the wireless device to maintain a connection to a network.
• PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) - A handheld device that provides multiple functions, such as serving as a cellular phone, electronic notepad, and web browsing.
• SSID (Service Set Identifier) - The identifier or name of a wireless network.
• WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) - An encryption security protocol developed for use with wireless networks that, in theory, provides the same level of security as a wired network. Note: WEP is not enabled on Franklin University's Wireless Network.
• Wireless Network - A wireless network uses radio frequencies instead of cable or phone lines to connect computer devices, such as laptop computers, desktop computers, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).
• Wireless NIC (Wireless Network Interface Card) - A card that is inserted into your computer which allows you to connect to a wireless network.

What hardware do I need to connect to the Franklin University Wireless Network?

Besides a wireless compatible device, such as a laptop computer or PDA, you will need an 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g compatible Wireless Network Interface Card (Wireless NIC) installed and functioning properly in your wireless compatible device.

What configurations and software do I need to connect to the Franklin University Wireless Network?

Configuration

You may need to enter the Service Set Identifier (SSID) of our Wireless Network in your Wireless NIC configuration. The SSID of our Wireless Network is Franklin for all campus access points. (Note: The SSID of Franklin is case sensitive).

(For more information, see How do I configure the SSID on my computer or PDA?)

Software

A web browser, such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, is necessary in order to login to the Wireless Network.

How do I configure the SSID on my computer or PDA?

Instructions for configuring the SSID are dependent upon your operating system and your Wireless NIC. However, instructions for configuring the SSID with the Windows 2000 operating system with a common 802.11b Wireless NIC are provided below for your convenience. For information specific to your operating system and Wireless NIC please consult the documentation provided with your operating system and/or Wireless NIC.

1. From the Desktop Click My Computer
2. Click Control Panel
3. Click Network and Dial-up Connections
4. Click Local Area Connection (Wireless)
5. Click the Properties button
   
   
   
6. Click the Configure button
   
   
   
7. Click the Advanced tab
   
   
   
8. Click SSID in the Property box
   
   
   
9. In the Value field enter Franklin (reminder - this SSID is case sensitive).
   
   
   
10. Click the OK button
11. Click the OK button
12. Click the Close button

How do I configure WEP on my computer or PDA?

Any WEP protocols on your wireless compatible device must be disabled. Franklin University's Wireless Network does not support WEP. For more information about configuring or disabling WEP please consult your WEP documentation.

Can I use my firewall with the Wireless Network?

If you have a personal firewall (such as the firewall built-in to Windows XP), you may attempt to access Franklin University's Wireless Network with your firewall enabled. However, if you have difficulty accessing the Wireless Network, you may need to reconfigure or disable your firewall. If you experience problems, please consult your firewall documentation.

Franklin University does value your security. Once you are connected to our Wireless Network you will be behind two firewalls that serve to protect our network and users from malicious attacks. For more information relating to the security of our Wireless Network, please see Is the Wireless Network secure?

Can I print from the Wireless Network?

Franklin University's Wireless Network does not support printing. If you wish to print a document you may save the document to a disk and print the document from one of our wired workstations.

Where can I get help?

You can contact the Franklin University Help Desk by email at helpdesk@franklin.edu or call 614-341-6222 for assistance.