What is a Wireless Network?

A wireless network is a radio based extension of the current campus network.  By providing wireless access, users in open locations, like a dining area or lobby, can access the network without the clutter of wires running across the floor.  Wireless access is used in addition to the current network and is not intended as a replacement for wired connections that provide more speed and security.


What is the coverage area of the BSU Wireless Network?

Ball State University Computing Services offers wireless network access in all of the major academic and administrative buildings on campus.  Wireless also radiates from the common areas in the residence halls and is available in all residence hall rooms. 

The Ball State wireless network is a wireless local area network that operates at Ball State's campus in Muncie.  The wireless network does not work outside the main campus.  Ball State's wireless network does not function as an internet service provider for off-campus student housing. 


Can  I access the Wireless Network at my home?

The Ball State wireless network is a local area network that works on-campus.  All residence hall rooms have access to the wireless network, but students living off-campus will not have access to the Ball State wireless network when they are at home.

Students living off-campus, including Distance Education students, that want internet access at home will need to purchase internet service from an internet service provider.  They can then purchase and set up a wireless router to broadcast a wireless signal in their home.  It is important to note that wireless boardcast will work best with a DSL or cable internet service.  Using a wireless router with a dial up internet service is not recommended.

How fast is the Wireless Network?

Each wireless access point has a maximum speed of 54Mb.  After the addition of radio signal overhead, you'll actually see about 28Mb on a Microsoft Windows based machine.  As this is a shared network, the number of users on your access point and what types of applications they are using may affect your performance.  The performance speeds listed above assume you are using an 802.11g card.  802.11b cards will see an approximate performance speed of 5.5Mb.


What brands of Wireless Cards can I use?

Most newer laptops come equiped with a built-in wireless card.  The important thing is to make sure that the card is 802.11g or 802.11b compatible.  If your laptop does not come with an internal card, an external card can be purchased at a computer store or the Computer Showcase Center located in RB 134b.  Both Cisco and Linksys cards work well at Ball State.  


Where can I buy a Wireless Card?

Wireless cards can be purchased at most computer stores.  They are available on-campus at the Computer Showcase Center, located in RB 134b.   


How does roaming work on the wireless network?
 
As you move throughout a building wirelessly, your connection will continue to function as you move from floor to floor.  However, if you leave the building and enter another building, you will need to restart your computer to get a new IP address. 


What type of security is on the wireless network?
 
When accessing Ball State's wireless network, you will be required to open up a web browser and type in your Ball State username/password to get network access.  This process helps ensure that only authorized users are accessing the Ball State network.

Ball State University uses IPSec data encryption to secure communication.  In order to use this encryption, you must be running one of the following operating systems:  Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Mac OS 10.2 or better.  

Changes to improve the security of the wireless network were implemented in July 2007 which may require the use of a special security tool on your computer for certain types of Internet use.  If you are using the wireless network for anything other than Web browsing, learn more about the Virtual Private Network (VPN).   Using the VPN is always a good idea; however, you will now be required to use the VPN for many applications other than Web browsing. File transfer (FTP) and Telnet are two applications that will now require the use of VPN. 
  
   
How do I get help?

Online help for using the Ball State wireless network is available on the TechClips website: http://bsu.edu/techclips/connect_on_camp.htm.   

For additional assistance, please contact the Ball State University Helpdesk at 765-285-1517 or e-mail helpdesk@bsu.edu. 

Students can schedule an appointment for help installing their wireless card or for help getting connected by going to www.bsu.edu/techtime and making an appointment for TechTime.