UVa Wireless Network FAQ

General Questions

Where is the wireless network available?
Wireless access is available throughout Grounds as listed in the coverage table, which also lists those areas that are planned.
I maintain a firewall/IP access list, what IP address ranges are used for the wireless network?
The list of IP address ranges in use at UVa is located here.
Is there a charge for using the Wireless computing network?
No. There is no service charge to connect to the UVa wireless network. Your device, however, will need to have an external or internal wireless card. ITC provides wireless connection support for selected operating systems.
Will the wireless network interfere with my cordless phone?
The wireless network at the University operates in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 5.1 GHz bands. Best, therefore, to avoid other 2.4 GHz and 5.1 GHz equipment like 2.4 GHz cordless telephones. Purchase 900 MHz or 5.8GHz cordless phones/devices instead.
Can I use my Palm/PocketPC device on the wireless network? What about my Blackberry?
Options exist for some Palm/PocketPC models to connect to WiFi networks; however, ITC provides only limited support for these. When you read email using your Blackberry, you are actually using a service provider available in the area, such as AT&T or Alltel. Currently, it is not possible simply to switch over to reading your email using the UVa wireless network.
Why do I need a certificate to use the wireless network?
The cavalier and jefferson wireless networks have been designed to protect the confidentiality of your data by using a high quality encryption system, which requires a personal digital certificate for authentication. For more details about this system (WPA Enterprise), go here.
How do guests of the University use the wireless network?
Sponsored guests of the University may access the UVa unencrypted wireless network. A guest's wireless card must be registered, before they can connect. Support is provided for select operating systems. Please see Guest Access for more information.
How can I tell if I have a Wi-Fi certified card, and/or if it supports WPA Enterprise?
Refer to the wireless card documentation, or consult the manufacturer website. At a minimum look for Wi-Fi “b” certification, which means the device complies to the 802.11b wireless standard. You may be able to add WPA Enterprise (sometimes referred to as 802.1X WPA) support to a device with a driver update. You can look for your card and its certifications at the Wi-Fi Alliance website.
What are the system capabilities?
The system is based on the IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standards. The basic network transmission rate is 11 Mbps, which is essentially the same speed as a normal shared Ethernet. Speeds up to 54 Mbps are available, where the newer 802.11g, and 802.11a standards are available. Each wireless access point provides wireless coverage for a radius of between 150 feet through an average building and 1,000 feet in a open-air environment.
Can I do everything on the wireless network that I have been doing on the wired University network?
The wireless network has the same capacity and performance that the main campus network had a couple of technology generations ago. Applications such as email, Web access, Oracle Calendar (formerly CorporateTime), News, etc. will all work well, as long as large numbers of users are not attempting to connect via the same access point. Applications such as video conferencing, video streaming, shared file systems, and large bulk file transfers should be avoided on the wireless network. Just as with other shared, broadly available computing and communication resources, ITC is responsible for managing wireless network capacity to serve the widest range of users in pursuit of the University mission. As the popularity of wireless networking grows, ITC will take steps that ensure its general availability, including setting policies on devices and applications that can be used with the University network. Because of its capacity limitations, we encourage users not to regard wireless networking as a replacement for a standard network outlet.
What about outdoor coverage?
Coverage is available on the Lawn, in the Amphitheatre, and in outdoor areas around Newcomb Hall. One of the major problems with outdoor use is that it is very difficult to read most notebook computer displays in sunlight.
Can I set up my own wireless access point (base station) on Grounds?
Anyone, who wants to install a non-ITC access point, must submit an installation request form and follow certain policies and guidelines. ITC offers no support for non-ITC personal access points. For more information, please go to the Request Wireless Coverage in your Area page.
What about coverage in research and administrative areas?
The University initial focus was on locations, where students go to study and work. ITC is now working on providing coverage for administrative and research areas. As soon as they are completed, new buildings will have wireless access available . If you have specific questions about your area, you may contact the wireless project team.
My department wants to install wireless now. Is there a way to speed deployment in our building(s)?
If you want wireless equipment installed in your building, contact the ITC wireless project team to discuss options for accelerating coverage in your area.
My fraternity/sorority house has a network connection ITC installed. Can I set up my own wireless access point (base station) there?
Since there are no plans to provide wireless coverage for Greek housing, a provision could be made, if it were demonstrated that the equipment would not allow users outside UVa to connect. Please review our guidelines here. If it is determined that a fraternity/sorority has installed an access point, which operates insecurely, they will be required to remove it immediately.

Getting Started

What hardware should I purchase?
A Wi-Fi certified wireless card that supports WPA Enterprise. See the Choosing a Wireless Card page for more information.
I have a wireless card. What do I have to do to use the Wireless network?
Go to Set Up Your Wireless Card and follow the instructions.
I have a lot of cards I need to register. Is there an easy way to do that?
Please go to the network registration site.
Will my Apple laptop work on the wireless network?
The Apple AirPort or AirPort Extreme wireless cards will work in the UVa wireless environment. For more information about connecting to the UVa Wireless Network, go to our wireless documentation.
How should wireless be set up on a computer that is shared by several users?
If individual accounts are available for all users who share the computer, then each user can follow the standard instructions, after logging in, and access the encrypted cavalier wireless network using their own personal certificate. If the users must share a generic account, they will have to configure the computer by following the guest instructions. In that case, they must use the unencrypted wahoo wireless network, since personal certificates may not be shared.
I have Windows XP/Vista, but my wireless card cannot connect to the cavalier network. Is there any other way I can get wireless access?
Most wireless cards use the cavalier network, although some require a software update, and some older devices may be incompatible. Users with such devices are encouraged to upgrade to newer hardware; however, users can access the unencrypted wahoo wireless network if upgrading is not feasible. Configuration instructions can be found for Windows XP/Vista here.
My department/group uses the faculty and staff only More Secure Network for our wired network connections. Is there a way to access the More Secure Network via wireless other than using the More Secure Network VPN?
Please refer to the More Secure Network website, also known as the jefferson wireless network, which provides wireless access More Secure Network (available to faculty and staff only).

Usage

I'm getting a bad connection. How can I tell if if the problem is my computer or a bad signal? Is there any way I can see the signal strength?
If you are using the Apple AirPort card, the signal strength meter is part of the Internet Connect application. If you are using Windows XP, signal strength is indicated in a range from Poor to Excellent, which you can see if you position your cursor over the wireless connection icon in the Systray portion of your Start Menu.
What do I do if I am getting poor signal strength?
If you are in an area where wireless is supported, but you do not have a good connection because of poor signal strength, report the problem and location to the ITC Help Desk at 434-924-3731. Check your signal strength according to the directions indicated immediately above.
Will I have any problems moving between the wireless network where I live, and the wireless network available on Grounds?
As long as you configure the wireless card to connect to your home wireless network with the same utility as you connect to the UVa network, you should not have a problem. Do not use wahoo, cavalier, or jefferson for your home wireless network name, or you may not be able to connect on Grounds.
Does Bluetooth interfere with the wireless network?
Bluetooth and the 802.11 wireless technology used for on Grounds networking utilize the same frequency space for two different functions. The recent FCC ruling that modified the rules governing the 2.4GHz (Part 15.247) spectrum makes it possible for wireless LAN devices to coexist with devices using Bluetooth; therefore, the use of Bluetooth devices is permitted and should not cause any significant problems.

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