Frequently Asked Questions
To download and print* FAQs (43K, PDF file)
What is required to use the RU Wireless network?
- A computer with an 802.11b compatible wireless network card.
- A valid Rockhurst University network account or a wireless hotspot account.
- Any Web browser that supports 128 bit encryption. Some known browsers that meet this requirement are Internet Explorer 5.5 (or higher), Netscape 6.0 (or higher) and Safari 1.0 (or higher).
How do I connect?
1. Make sure your wireless card detects the unique Service Set Identifier (SSID) that is broadcasted by the RU Wireless system. The ssid is rockhurst. If your wireless card is set to automatically detect the SSID, it should configure your laptop accordingly. If your computer does not connect to an access point automatically, you can click view wireless networks or manually enter the SSID in your wireless client. The SSID, "rockhurst" needs to be all lower case.
2. For detailed instructions for Rockhurst students, faculty and staff or Guests of Rockhurst University. It will be necessary to re-authenticate for the following reasons:
1.) Each time you reboot your computer.
2.) If your computer is idle for a long period of time.
Can I print when I am connected to RU Wireless?
Yes, you can print using RU Wireless. If you need help setting it up, read these printing instructions.
What if I have problems?
The Rockhurst University Help Desk can be reached at x4357 and they are located on the 4th floor on Conway Hall.
Who manages the Rockhurst Wireless Network?
Computer Service’s Network Support Team manages the Rockhurst Wireless Network.
What is a Wireless LAN?
A Wireless LAN (WLAN) is a 802.11 networking framework in which computers and other network devices communicate with each other by first going through an Access Point (AP). A RU Wireless access point is part of the network infrastructure which allows wireless computers to communicate with each other and also communicate with the wired network systems.
What is an Access Point (AP)?
An Access Point is a hardware device that acts as a communication "hub" for users of wireless computers, allowing them to connect to the wired Local Area Network (LAN).
What do I need to do to keep my computer secure on the wireless network?
Keeping a computer secure on a wireless network is the same as keeping a computer secure on a wired network. One must keep the computer virus protection up-to-date, install any patches for the computers operating system and keep the password(s) safe and secret.
What is an SSID?
The service set identifier or SSID differentiates one Wireless LAN from another, so devices attempting to connect to a specific Wireless LAN must use the same SSID in order to connect. An SSID is also referred to as a Wireless LAN "name."
What does error, "Server not found" mean?
If you receive a “Server Not Found” error, make sure your wireless card is set to automatically receive a Service Set Identifier (SSID). You may need to manually enter the SSID or modify any wireless profiles applied to your wireless network card.
For example, the SSID for Rockhurst is “rockhurst”. (The name of the SSID is case sensitive so make sure you type rockhurst is lowercase.)
I have a computer with a static IP address, what can I do?
If your computer is set to use a static IP address, you will need to modify these settings for your network connection. Your wireless card must be set to obtain an automatic IP (DHCP) in order to access the RU Wireless net work.
What is a wireless network card? How do I get one?
A wireless network card is a small hardware device that allows your computer to be connected to wireless networks. (Some cards plug into an external slot on the computer; others are internal, housed inside the the computer itself.) Many newer laptops and handheld computers are sold with internal wireless network cards included; consult your computer's manual or contact your computer dealer's customer support for information.
Are there any health and/or safety concerns with wireless technology?
In past years there has been extensive research on exposure to radio frequencies. Manufacturers of wireless LAN equipment must meet stringent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and industry regulations for safety. The output power of wireless LAN equipment is much less than that of a cellular phone. Since radio waves dissipate rapidly over distance, there is very little exposure to radio frequencies in the area covered by a wireless LAN. No adverse health affects have been attributed to wireless LANs. For more information, visit the Wireless LAN Association web site.
Additionally, the FCC, with its action in ET Docket 96-8, adopted a safety standard for human exposure to RF electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC-certified equipment. Proper installation and operation of this equipment will result in user exposure substantially below the FCC recommended limits. Therefore, it is recommended when using a laptop with a PC card client adapter that the adapter's integrated antenna be positioned more than 2 inches (5 cm) from your body or nearby persons during extended periods of transmitting or operating time. If the antenna is positioned less than 2 inches (5 cm) from the user, it is recommended that the user limit exposure time.
For Access points, dipole antennas should be located a minimum distance of 7.9 inches (20 cm) or more from the body of all persons. High-gain, wall-mount, or mast-mount antennas should be located a minimum distance of 12 inches (30 cm) or more from the body of all persons. All NTS installed WLAN equipment meet these requirements.
What security concerns are there with using wireless technology?
There are two aspects to security. First is the security of the network itself and second is security of the data crossing the network. In order to properly secure the network itself, Rockhurst requires all wireless users to authenticate using a valid account. For the security of the data, we suggest that if you are sending private information over the Internet from your wireless connection that you make sure the site you are communicating with is using 128-bit SSL encryption. You can check this by looking for the padlock at the bottom right-hand of your browser window. |
