University of Rochester
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which wireless network should I choose? This is the most common question based on a recent survey.
- Who can use Wireless?
- What do I need to use wireless?
- How do I get into the wireless network?
- What is a NetID?
- How do I connect my wireless device to the URWireless Network?
- How do I log onto the URWireless?
- How do I know if my device is wireless capable?
- Who do I contact if I have problems installing wireless on my laptop?
- Can I use my personal notebook computer?
- What browsers can I use?
- If I want to buy a new laptop - what do you recommend?
- What devices are supported on the URWireless Network?
- What can I try if my Mac does not connect to UR_Connected?
- Do I need to register my Wireless Card with University IT?
- Do I need to reconfigure my machine with an IP address?
- Does Wi-Fi Use Affect Computer Battery Life?
- Where is URWireless available on the campus?
- Do I need to disable anti-virus on my wireless device?
- Are there restrictions to what I can access using my wireless device?
- Will I have to login more than once to the wireless network?
- Can I have more than one device connected to the URWireless network at a time?
- What is wireless data encryption?
- Will my User Name and password be protected when accessing the wireless network?
- How do I logoff the wireless network?
- What is wireless authentication?
- Where can I print with wireless access?
- What kind of laptop and operating systems should I use for wireless access?
- What kind of Network Interface Card should I use for wireless access?
- I used wireless before, why won't it work now?
- How far away can I be from the wireless antenna?
- If I suspend my wireless session will I have to begin again?
- Who do I talk to for help or more information?
Which wireless network should I choose?
There are three available wireless networks for River Campus, Eastman, and MAG users. Among them is UR_Connected, providing the highest level of security (WPA2). It requires a single login with username and password, and does not disconnect as you move around campus (coverage is indicated on the campus map).
If you have activated your account for myIdentity (https://myidentity.rochester.edu/), or have an existing Active Directory account through your department, you may log in to UR_Connected. If you’re unsure, please contact your department’s IT support person to assist you. If you do not have a department IT person, please contact the University IT Help Desk at 275-2000 option 4 for assistance.
If Active Directory is not provided to you, or your Mac is not configured for it, then we would recommend the next level of wireless security. It is provided on the network named UR_RC_InternalSecure.
If you are not a member of Faculty, the staff, or student body, then you would need to use the wireless network provided for guests. It is identified as UR_RC_Guest. It is considered an "Open" network in that there is no login required. It uses a separate internet connection on the public internet and so has the same restrictions of access to the University network as if you were connecting from home without VPN.
In an effort to secure University resources, wireless is restricted to those people with a current and active relationship with the University. This includes:
Active Faculty/Staff
Users of the wireless service at the Medical Center
Active students
Contractors and sponsored guests
Students who have left the University and Faculty/Staff who have been suspended or terminated will not be able to use the wireless network.
What do I need to use wireless?
You need a laptop, desktop, PDA, gaming station or Smartphone with an integrated or external 802.11A/G or N wireless Network Interface Card (NIC) that supports WPA, a web browser and a valid NetID username and password.
How do I get into the wireless network?
You need to establish a NetID username and a password at the NetID site. http://www.rochester.edu/it/netid/
Instructions for this will depend on your operating system. See the setup connections on the Connect page.
Your NetID is the key to a variety of online services at the University of Rochester. This service is part of a University authentication and security measure to ensure that accounts are managed more securely across the campuses. Please refer to: http://www.rochester.edu/it/netid/
How do I connect my wireless device to the URWireless Network?
It is up to the individual to configure their wireless device for access. University IT has provided configuration guides for Windows XP SP3, Vista and Macintosh OSX operating systems. The configuration information can be found at: http://www.rochester.edu/its/wireless
We have also provided the general settings in case you are configuring another operating system.
How do I log onto the URWireless?
The detailed information can be found at: http://www.rochester.edu/its/wireless
How do I know if my device is wireless capable?
At a minimum your device need to support WPA. Please refer to the manufacturer of your laptop/notebook computer or mobile device to see if it is wireless capable.
Who do I contact if I have problems installing wireless on my laptop?
Contact the IT Center at extension x52000 or (585) 275-2000.
Can I use my personal notebook computer?
Yes.
We have successfully tested Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari and Chrome.
If I want to buy a new laptop - what do you recommend?
Contact UR Computer Sales at extension x58353 or (585)275-8353 for more information on recommended laptops.
Or visit the web site at: http://www.rochester.edu/its/css/
What devices are supported on the URWireless Network?
Laptops or desktop computers
Handheld/ Mobile/Smart Phones – We have confirmed that Apple iPhones and iPod touch WiFi access works with our supported standards. We are still in beta test mode with other various handheld devices and smart phones. Please keep checking the website for the FAQ updates.
What can I try if my Mac does not connect to UR_Connected?
Occasionally, users will enable a protocol that does not work. To see if you are experiencing this, go to the screen where you enable WiFi; select "Open Network Preferences..."; look at your 802.1X profile for UR_Connected and validate that the profile shows PEAP/TTLS + EAP/FAST as enabled. The usual cause for lack of connectivity is that PEAP/TLS is selected versus TTLS with two "T"s.
Do I need to register my Wireless Card with University IT?
No. It's not necessary to register your wireless card.
Do I need to reconfigure my machine with an IP address?
No, the wireless network will automatically provide you with an IP address.
Does Wi-Fi Use Affect Computer Battery Life?
The Wi-Fi network protocol requires electric power to operate the wireless radio used to send and receive data. Using Wi-Fi on a computer or handheld device can significantly increase its power consumption (shortening battery life).
Where is URWireless available on the campus?
Map location – in the main menu, or here, for your convenience
Do I need to disable anti-virus on my wireless device?
While regular anti-virus software should not interfere with setting up your wireless connection, many security packages that are included with anti-virus software may include firewall programs that can prevent you from utilizing the wireless Network. Please refer to the software vendor who provided the security package for guidance on configuring the various aspects of their software for use with wireless networks.
Are there restrictions to what I can access using my wireless device?
The University “Wireless Acceptable Use Policy” provides the guidelines for using the URWireless Network. The policy can be found at: http://www.rochester.edu/it/security/assets/pdf/WirelessAcceptableUse.pdf
Will I have to login more than once to the wireless network?
Only one login is typically needed per computing session. As long as you have wireless contact with an URWireless access point roaming across campus is possible with no additional login or address release/renew. If wireless radio contact is lost, you might have to login again. Suspending/sleeping the laptop while relocating from one building to another will likely require additional login.
Can I have more than one device connected to the URWireless network at a time?
Yes, we recommend that you have no more than 3 simultaneous logins at one time.
What is wireless data encryption?
Wireless data encryption is a method of coding the wireless data to make it less susceptible to viewing and tampering by undesired parties. We suggest the use of a WPA-PSK enabled network at minimum such as UR_RC_InternalSecure.
Will my User Name and password be protected when accessing the wireless network?
Yes, your NetID and password are encrypted and protected against snooping.
How do I logoff the UR_RC_InternalSecure wireless network?
To end the wireless computing session, simply click the “Click here to Logoff” icon in the Logoff popup window. This may have been minimized during the session and is available via the Task Bar. If this dialog box is not available your session will log off automatically (if not in use) after a specific amount of time.
What is wireless authentication?
Authentication verifies the identity of users and restricts access to computing resources to University Faculty, staff, students and sponsored guests only. Authentication occurs when you attempt to login to the wireless network.
Where can I print with wireless access?
Wireless printing is not currently supported.
What kind of laptop and operating systems should I use for wireless access?
Most brands and models of laptops can be used with the campus wireless network. Many models of Dell, Gateway, and Compaq brands running Windows XP(SP3), Vista, Windows7 and Apple's OS 10.5 and 10.6, have been tested successfully.
What kind of Network Interface Card should I use for wireless access?
Any Network Interface Card (NIC) that is stated to be 802.11A, 802.11G or 802.11N compatible should work.
I used wireless before, why won't it work now?
The most likely causes of this problem are:
Loss of wireless signal
Wireless NIC is not enabled
The passphrase to the SSID is incorrect or not entered
How far away can I be from the wireless antenna?
The farther away you are from the antenna, the slower the connection. From 100 to 150 feet you can expect a strong wireless signal. Beyond 200 feet, service and bandwidth will continue to degrade until you move completely out of range. These connection speeds are under optimal conditions and other factors can contribute to a slow connection.
If I suspend my wireless session will I have to begin again?
Yes, the computer stops communicating with the wireless network when suspended or put into sleep mode. The wireless network will terminate the session.
Who do I talk to for help or more information?
Contact the IT Center @ x.52000 or (585) 275-2000