Wireless FAQs
What is wireless networking?
Wireless networking is the use of radio frequency signals to connect portable workstations - such as laptops or PDAs - to an Ethernet LAN. The present standard for wireless Ethernet used by Fuqua is called 802.11b and specifies an 11 Megabit/second data transmission rate.
Today's wireless networks are composed of two primary components, an access point and a wireless adapter. An access point converts the "wired" Ethernet signals to radio waves and are typically installed in ceilings or mounted high in a wall. The wireless adapter looks and acts like a regular Ethernet card but the antenna protrudes slightly from the laptop and the battery life of the laptop is slightly decreased.
What's the range of the signal?
802.11b wireless networking has a range of about 300 meters in a large open space, such as an auditorium, and about 100 meters in a typical indoor office environment. Transmission speeds decrease as the distance between the portable workstation and the access point increases.
So what will it cost me?
If you wish to install a wireless network in your home, some vendors, such as NetGear or D-Link, make an access point suitable for residential networking that is priced around $250.
PCMCIA wireless networking cards for laptops range from $100 to $250. Make certain that you buy a card that's 802.11b-compliant. Older 802.11 cards won't work with Fuqua's wireless environment.
What areas on Fuqua’s campus have wireless access points?
Access points have been installed throughout Fuqua at the following locations:
East Mallway
Fox Center Winter Garden
Main Lab
Library
2nd Floor East Team Rooms
2 East Lab
Thomas Center
Can I register a fixed IP address on the Wireless Network?
No. The Wireless Network was established to facilitate mobile, wireless computing where the emphasis is on availability of networking assets in a dynamic environment. Fixed IP address assignment runs counter to this purpose.
What PCMCIA wireless cards are supported?
Any 802.11b-compliant card should work, but we recommend you choose from the following list:
o Nortel/Symbol E-Mobility Wireless LAN
o Cisco's Aironet
o Dell TruMobile 1150 Series Mini PCI Card for Windows XP
o 3Com's AirConnect Wireless
Where can I buy cards?
You can purchase PCMCIA wireless network adapters at the Duke University Computer Store, or you may buy them from local retailers.
How do I install my card?
o Make certain that you have a supported wireless Ethernet card.
o Install the PCMCIA card following the documentation provided with the card.
o Make sure that the network name (ESSID) is set to DUKE. The ESSID must be typed in all capital letters.
o Make sure Enable Encryption is turned off under the Encryption tab.
Configuration instructions are available for some cards.
What if I've followed all your instructions and I still can't get on the wireless network?
Contact the Fuqua Technical Support Center at 660-7878 or via email at tsc-help@fuqua.duke.edu
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