F.A.Q.

 

  1. Wireless network usage
  2. How can I tell if my laptop already has a wireless network interface card (NIC)?
  3. To access the wireless network
  4. What operating systems does the WPA/WPA2 authentication support?
  5. What operating systems does the VPN client support?
  6. Automatic Session Timeouts
  7. Where can I buy a wireless NIC for my laptop or notebook?
  8. How do I install my wireless NIC?
  9. Where can I get support if I have trouble connecting to the wireless network?
  10. Can I access Locutus through the wireless network?
  11. Wireless radiofrequencies and public health

 

Wireless network usage:

It is important to note that this new wireless service is intended for students and staff for non-business related purposes. It should not be considered as an alternative access mode to systems, such as Student Information Systems, Point of Sales Systems, Finance and Human Resources Management systems, and any partner administrative systems.

How can I tell if my laptop already has a wireless network interface card (NIC)?


I. If you are using Windows XP Pro, click on Start, All Programs, right-click on My Computer and choose Properties. Click on the Hardware tab then click on Device Manager. Expand the list for Network Adapters by clicking on the + sign. You should see a listing for a wireless card there if your laptop already has one installed. For example, the message displayed will be something like “Intel ® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN”.

II. If you are using Windows 2000 Pro, right-click on My Computer located on your Desktop and choose Properties. Click on the Hardware tab then click on Device Manager. Expand the list for Network Adapters by clicking on the + sign. You should see a listing for a wireless card there if your laptop already has one installed.

III. If you are using Windows 98, right-click on My Computer located on your Desktop and choose Properties. Click on the Device Manager tab and expand the list for Network Adapters by clicking on the + sign. You should see a listing for a wireless card there if your laptop already has one installed.

To access the wireless network:

  • You must be either a registered student or an employee of the University of Ottawa
  • Access to the wireless network for guests will require accounts sponsored by Faculties, Departments and Services
  • You need an InfoWeb account
  • You need a laptop, netbook or notebook computer that has a WiFi/802.11a/b/g compliant Network Interface Card with the appropriate drivers installed

 

For clients using supported network interface card and driver software installed in your laptop (Windows XP or Vista, Mac Leopard, Tiger or Snow Leopard), we strongly recommend you use the WPA SSID (Service set identifier or network name) identified as uOttawa-WPA. The uOttawa-WPA SSID will provide a greater level of security by providing higher levels of encryption of their data.

 

What operating systems does the WPA/WPA2 authentication support?

WPA/WPA2 authentication can be configured on the following Operating Systems:

What operating systems does the VPN client support?

There are two clients available. One works with Windows 98/2000/XP and the other will work with MAC OS 10.1.5 and up.

Automatic Session Timeouts

Please note that there are no automatic session timeouts while using the WPA authentication to access the University of Ottawa's wireless network.

Click here for one-time WPA configuration instructions

There are two automatic timeouts set for the VPN. Your session will be disconnected if:

  • There has been no network activity* during the last 30 minutes, or
  • You have been actively connected for 300 minutes (5 hours = max. per session)

If you get disconnected and wish to continue working using the VPN, simply log back on using the VPN Client.

*Typing out an email message does not constitute network activity. Sending or receiving email creates activity on the network.


Where can I buy a wireless NIC for my laptop or notebook?

You may purchase NIC cards from the Campus Computer Store, located at the Bookstore in the University-Centre. You will need to know if your laptop has a PCMCIA slot, a Card Bus slot or an available USB slot before going to the Campus Computer Store.

A Card Bus slot is typically a connection point that is internal to a machine. These would in most cases be allocated to computers that are not laptops but rather desktop or standalone tower cases that use internal card slots in order to enhance system capabilities.

A PCMCIA 2 or 3 slot is typically a laptop-type of connection point. These slots are identified by an externally mounted slot that is part of your laptop. The PCMCIA 2 or 3 slots will vary in size but typically do not exceed approximately one centimeter high by 5-6 centimeters wide.

A USB slot is an external connection point and is typically identified by one or multiple small slots measuring approximately ¼ inch by ½ inch. These connection points are an integral part of the computer and traditionally devices connected to these access points will get identified by your computer as “new hardware” being recognized.The installation of drivers which accompany the USB wireless device is required in order to make the device visible to the network. These drivers should come as part of the packaging of the USB device or alternately available through the manufacturer’s website. 


How do I install my wireless NIC? 

Please refer to the Wireless Cards page.


Where can I get support if I have trouble connecting to the wireless network?

Please refer to Trouble-shooting Tips on the Wireless Cards page. If you are still having problems:

Students can get technical support at the Help Desk located in Montpetit Hall, room 140. This service is offered by appointment only. See the Support page for further details.

Employees are asked to fill out the Computing Assistance Request form at http://www.ccs.uottawa.ca/cybersos/


Can I access Locutus through the wireless network?

No. At the moment, the Novell servers on campus use a protocol that is not compatible with the VPN client or perspective WPA authentication methods.

 

Wireless radiofrequencies and public health

Health Canada and the World Health Organization have both concluded that weak radiofrequency signals from wireless networks have no adverse health effects on the general public.

Additional information can be found via the following links:

Health Canada: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/radiation/cons/radiofreq/index-eng.php

World Health Organization: www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs304/en/index.html

 

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For additional information, consult our list of contacts.
Last updated: 2010.07.12
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