Wireless

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LMU PROVIDES FASTER, CAMPUS-WIDE and SECURE WIRELESS .

LMU Wi-Fi : Wireless Network Access

There are two preferred wireless networks, both of which require a staff or student login ID and password (Manegate username/password). Wireless network choices are as follows:

LMU_WPA_Student - Improved secure access that enables students to access all the same systems as a cabled connection.
LMU_WPA_Fac/Staff - Improved secure access that enables faculty and staff to access all the same systems as a cabled connection.

LMU_Student
LMU_Fac/Staff

In order to connect to the secured wireless networks, you will need to configure your computer for the appropriate authentication and encryption – 802.1x with PEAP and MSCHAPv2. Sample instructions on how to configure this are available via the following links:

     WinXP_WirelessSetup_Student (LMU_Student)
     Windows Vista WirelessSetup Student (LMU_Student)
     MacOSX_WirelessSetup_Student (LMU_Student)


     WinXP_WirelessSetup_Fac/Staff (LMU_Fac/Staff)
     Windows Vista WirelessSetup Fac/Staff (LMU_Fac/Staff) (Replace any "LMU_Student" references in
     this documentation with "LMU_Fac/Staff" depending on your role)
     MacOSX_WirelessSetup_Fac/Staff (LMU_Fac/Staff)

What if I have my own Wireless AP?

LMU policy prohibits personal wireless APs in buildings where the campus is already providing wireless access. The reason for this is that personal APs interfere with the existing wireless signals and thus diminish everyone else's service. Additionally, personal APs create a security vulnerability.

This policy is available on the LMU website ( http://www.lmu.edu/Asset5495.aspx ). As such, no personal wireless APs are permitted (except temporarily in Hannon until the wireless deployment is finished there). Any APs that are discovered in violation of this policy will be disabled and/or confiscated.

What is Wi-Fi :

LMU Wi-Fi is wireless Ethernet that provides internet access to mobile computers without connection cables. Instead, it uses radio communication between the computer and LMU Network Access Points.

There are several versions of wireless Ethernet in use today. LMU's wireless Ethernet is based on the IEEE 802.11a/b/g standards. Therefore only devices that are compatible with these protocols will work on the LMU campus.

The key advantage of wireless Ethernet is flexibility. Your laptop does not have to be chained to a network jack. Network access can be found in places previously not available (by the internal Library fountain, for example). And, in classrooms, conference rooms, and other venues, access to the network can be provided for less cost than with wired networks.

How fast is it?

The IEEE 802.11b standard has a nominal speed of 11 megabits per second (Mbps). The IEEE 802.11 ‘g’ and ‘a’ standards have a nominal speed of 54 megabits per second (Mbps). However, depending on signal distance and how many other people are using the wireless Ethernet through a particular Access Point, usable speed may be less. For instance, for 802.11b a typical connection might be on the order of 4 or 5 Mbps (which is still substantially faster than most dialup, cable and DSL modems).

Requirements (What hardware and OS platforms does LMU ITS support and recommend?)

The most compatible operating systems for support the authentication and encryption are Windows XP and MacOS-X. These OSes have support for the 802.1x security standards builtin. If you're using a different OS, then you will need to look on the manufacturer's site to verify and if available download the 802.1x supported driver(s).

You will also need to ensure that your computer has a wireless network adapter, and that the adapter supports one of the standards. Some of the compatible cards for 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g that have been tested and are supported on the campus network are:

     Linksys Wireless A & B & G Network Adapters on 2000 and XP
     AppleAirport & Airport Extreme
     Built-in Laptop Wireless Network Adapters

While LMU IT has done limited testing of the above adapters, any wireless adapter that works with the 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g standard should work.

Where on campus can I connect with Wireless?

Wireless is available in all campus residence halls and buildings. There are also a number of outdoor locations where the wireless signal strength provides great coverage.

Will the Wireless card conflict with my Ethernet card/modem? Whom do I call for support?

Your wireless card and your ethernet card should coexist fine so long as you use one at a time. If you encounter problems, first ensure you have installed both cards according to the installation instructions that came with the modem/Ethernet card and the wireless card, then contact the manufacturers for support.

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Wireless