Academic Computer Center - Help Desk (Ext. 1111)

What is the wireless network?

A wireless network uses transmitters, called access points, which connect by cable to the campus network. Your laptop with a wireless card communicates with these access points through the use of radio waves.  The Francis Marion University wireless network consists of Cisco wireless access points, the Cisco Clean Access system and other networking equipment to provide users mobile access to the internet.  With wireless, you can connect to the internet without using traditional network cables and in locations where network ports are not available.

Where is the wireless network?

In our first stage of wireless installation, the focus was on areas that students recommended and congregate.  The following should give a detailed list of the wireless areas on campus.  You can also look for the wireless sign.  The wireless network is maintained by Academic Computing Services.

How do I get connected?

Your computer should find the wireless network when you go into a wireless coverage area.  The following link shows what you may see.

Open a web browser such as Internet Explorer; you will be redirected to a web site to connect you to the network.

Choose which access you would like either guest or fully authenticated.  The difference between the two users is that guest access will only be allowed to access web sites and fully authenticated users (through clean access) can access other internet resources such as instant messaging but not network printing.  Due to the wide variety of network printers and associated drivers, we do not provide network printing to wireless users. Network printing is provided to university owned computers which have been configured to work with those departments' networked printers.   The following two links are documents which explain guest access and fully authenticated access.

 

What are the requirements to get connected to the wireless network?

In order to connect to the wireless network your computer must:

- Have an operational wireless network card (either internal or external which supports 802.11b or 802.11g.)

- Have an updated operating system installed that supports TCP/IP and DHCP services.

- Agree to adhere to University Policies while connected.

To have fully authenticated access, you must also:

- Have installed the clean access client on Microsoft windows computers.

- Have supported updated antivirus software installed to protect your computer and network from internet viruses.  Supported products are Symantec/Norton, Network Associates/McAfee and Trend Micro.

 

How do I get additional support?

On-site wireless user support is offered to wireless users. Academic Computing Services provides you with wireless technical support, through the phone, walk in, a web site, and email.   You may contact the ACS HelpDesk at extension 1111 to receive phone support or walk to the Stanton Academic Computer Center Main lab to receive personal assistance.     The web site provides documentation and contact information (Email: HelpDesk@fmarion.edu) to help wireless users get the support they need.