Overview
MSUnet Wireless, the centrally managed wireless internet service, provides wireless users with the flexibility to roam the MSU campus.This document provides support for some of the frequently asked questions regarding access to the MSUnet Wireless network.
NOTE: It is mandatory that you must have Javascript enabled for MSUnet Wireless access. This should already be enabled, as it is by default in most browsers.
What equipment do I need to connect to the MSUnet Wireless network?
In order to access the MSUnet Wireless network, you must have a wireless card installed on your laptop or handheld device that is compatible with the 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g standard.Some of the newer laptop computers and handheld devices come with these wireless cards already built into the system. If you are unsure if your computer came with a wireless card installed, contact the product vendor for more information.
Will my Macintosh connect to the MSUnet Wireless network?
Any Macintosh should be able to connect to the MSUnet Wireless network, as long as it has an 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g Airport-compatible wireless network card and Airport-compatible OS installed. Contact Apple for more information on Airport compatibility.Where can I purchase a wireless card?
Most current laptops come with wireless capability built in. If you do not already have a wireless card installed, one can be purchased at the MSU Computer Store, located in the Computer Center on campus. More information can be found at http://cstore.msu.edu. Computer equipment stores such as Best Buy also have wireless cards available for purchase.Remember, when purchasing a wireless card for MSUnet Wireless access, the card must be compatible with the 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g standards.
If you purchase an internal wireless card and do not want to install the card yourself, you can contact MSU Computer Repair (120 Computer Center, phone 353-5266, hours 9-5 M-F) to have the card installed. There will be a charge for this service.
In what locations can I access the MSUnet Wireless network?
MSUnet Wireless service is available in select areas within many buildings on the MSU campus. Information regarding access points is posted in the "Coverage" section of http://wireless.msu.edu, with location updates and additions as they become available.MSUNet Wireless is also available in certain outdoor areas around campus! The following outdoor areas are now covered:
- The courtyard between Case, Wilson and Wonders Hall
- South of Administration Building on both banks of the Red Cedar
- North of the International Center
- The fountain behind the Student Services building.
- Jenison Field House covering the Old College Field.
Look for the MSUnet Wireless sign for "hot spot" wireless locations.
Where can I find information on how to set up my computer to access MSUnet Wireless?
Accessing MSUnet Wireless with Windows VistaAccessing MSUnet Wireless with Windows XP Service Pack 2
Accessing MSUnet Wireless with Windows 2000 Professional
Accessing MSUnet Wireless with MacOS 10.3.x and 10.4.x
Accessing MSUnet Wireless with MacOS 10.5
I followed the setup instructions and it didn't work. What now?
First, make sure you are in a MSUnet Wireless "hot spot".If you are in covered location and can't seem to connect, try loading the web page a few (2-4) times. If that doesn't work, try closing and restarting the browser and repeating the tries; rebooting your computer is also a good idea.
If you are running Windows and your connection still does not work properly, information within Techbase article 1920 may help.
If following these instructions still doesn't help resolve your problem, contact the ATS Help Desk at (517) 432-6200, or visit the ATS walk-in service center.
How secure is my MSUnet Wireless connection?
The MSUnet Wireless network is unencrypted, which means each user must take responsibility for how they handle viewing sensitive data.When viewing sensitive data over the MSUnet Wireless network, make sure that the website you are on has the "https://" prefix. If it does not have this prefix, do not send confidential information such as bank account, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc. There is a slight possibility that these numbers could be intercepted. When the https:// prefix is present, information is secure.
How often must I reauthenticate to the MSUnet Wireless network?
Each time you log into MSUnet Wireless, you remain authenticated for as long as you use the connection. Authentication times out after 8 hours of inactivity; you will only have to log in after not having been connected to the Internet for 8 hours.Users of handheld devices such as the iPhone or iPod Touch often wish to have an automatic connection occur or persist. ATS does not currently offer a centrally supported facility for auto-login. Many users simply use the "one-click" login through Wireless Guest. Others prefer the use of a third-party app from the iTunes App Store (search wireless login) to automatically login as required. While users are welcome to use an app that meets their need, we do not specifically recommend or support any particular app.)
Do I have to log into the MSUnet Wireless network in each building I visit?
Not usually. Normally, one authentication to the MSUnet Wireless network will follow you to each building on the MSUnet Wireless network, and remains valid as long as your authentication hasn't timed out (see above). Authentication is to the network as a whole, not to individual buildings. Occasionally re-authenticating will be required.Do I have to log out of the MSUnet Wireless network?
It is not necessary to log out of the MSUnet Wireless network. However, if you choose to do so, visit the website https://wireless.msu.edu/logout.html.How can I connect to Library Resources within the Main Library?
MSUnet Wireless users currently need to enable the proxy to be able to use your MSU Library's Electronic Resources. Instructions on configuring your browser to use the proxy server are located at http://www.lib.msu.edu/proxy.I can get a valid network IP address and strong signal; why can't I connect?
In most cases such as this, Windows users (or Mac users with non-Airport wireless cards) will need to connect to the Internet via a wired connection (i.e., ethernet or dialup), and download and install updated drivers for your wireless card.Is guest access available?
Limited network access is available to affiliated guest users at Michigan State University, using the SSID MSUnet Wireless Guest. Guest access is currently limited to web (http), secure web (https) services; as of 10/3/05, outbound TCP e-mail client (POP, IMAP, SMTP and LDAP) services; and as of early December 2005, VPN services. More information on MSUnet Wireless guest access can be found here.Note: Beginning May 9, 2009, Kellogg Center guest users should use the SSID MSUnet Kellogg Guest, which is not port restricted. Access elsewhere is via general guest access, which will require a new log-in and wireless access agreement.
Kellogg Center Front Desk staff should have documentation available for their guest users to refer to, as well as the contact number for the ATS Help Desk to call for questions on MSUnet Wireless Guest access.
What is a Certificate?
All secure web (https) sites have certificates that verify the authenticity of the site. Part of connecting to the Wireless system is logging into the authentication server. This login page is a secure web page and thus has a certificate. If you are unfamiliar with certificates and/or would like view the possible certificates that you will see (different browsers display the certificate in different ways), please click here.Why must I sometimes temporarily disable my wired ethernet device to use MSUnet Wireless?
When our wireless equipment administration software detects a computer which has both wired and wireless devices, some configurations and combinations of these two devices cause the administration software to reject the connection. This behavior makes MSUnet Wireless seem unreachable and is a bug in the administrative software. We expect a forthcoming software update will resolve this issue. A temporary workaround is to disable your wired ethernet device whenever you connect to MSUnet Wireless.Why won't my browser redirect to the MSUnet Wireless Login page?
If your home page is set to a secure web page (a page with a url that starts with "https://"), then MSUnet Wireless will be unable to redirect your browser to our login page. Changing your home page setting to a non-protected page should correct this problem.Browser redirection to the login page is known to not work if either of the following are true: 1) If the website you are trying to visit does not exist or is offline; 2) If you are trying to visit an SSL encrypted site. However, once authenticated, the SSL sites will work; this is only a limitation on the redirect to the login page.
If you encounter either of these two problems, simply trying to visit a different, non-secure web page (i.e., http://www.msu.edu) should get you redirected.
How much does MSUnet Wireless access cost?
Unlimited access to MSUnet Wireless is free of charge to MSU faculty, students, and staff using a valid MSU NetID and password. Limited access to MSUnet Wireless Guest is free of charge to affiliated guests of MSU.What are some of the advantages of the central wireless system?
Advantages of the central wireless system include:- The ability to roam between access points, even between buildings.
- Guest access, with separate controls on available services.
- Central firewalling and intrusion detection/prevention for the wireless system.
- Wireless access is tunneled back to a central point, so wireless users don't automatically become a part of the local network in a given building. This provides a layer of protection for servers and staff workstations.
- Central management and reporting of all access points. The management features include automatic power level and channel adjustments, mapping of signal strength and coverage, rogue AP detection, automated distribution of software updates, and more.
What kind of potential risk I may encounter, if I just install my own APs for my department?
The access points such as you are using will provide access to the network, but there are some concerns, particularly if the APs are wide open. If so, a student in a public area, for instance, could use the JMC wireless access, and might be considered an "inside" user for server access, with privileges higher than desired. This "inside" access may also lead to a greater ability for viruses and worms to spread from student computers to staff workstations or servers, since additional vectors of infection are often available for locally-attached computer systems.I want to have MSUnet Wireless access in my building, dorm, or room. How can I get it?
To investigate having MSUnet Wireless installed in your building, contact your department or residence hall administrative offices. For departments interested in obtaining MSUnet Wireless service, please download the MSUnet Wireless Service Request Form (Acrobat Reader or Apple Preview required) and fax it to the number listed on the form. For a detailed estimate of installation costs and scheduling, check the "Check for estimate" box on the Service Request Form.MSUnet Wireless 2.0 deployment beginning Summer 2008
During Summer 2008, Academic Technology Services will begin to deploy the next generation of wireless service throughout campus. This new service is named MSUnet Wireless 2.0 and is an upgrade to the current MSUnet Wireless service. Please refer to TB10608 for more info on MSUnet Wireless 2.0.Other popular information sources at MSU
- Admissions FAQ (Admissions can also be reached via email at admis@msu.edu)
- Office of the Registrar FAQ (The Registrar's office can also be reached via email at reg@msu.edu)
- Academic Computing and Network Services Help Desk FAQ
- Other frequently asked questions at MSU (Print Services, AFS, etc)
