Introduction
Wireless
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- Do we have wireless access at ACCD and the associated colleges?
- Is ACCDNet a secure connection?
- My computer shows multiple wireless networks. Does it matter which wireless network I connect to?
- How do I check if my PERSONAL laptop has a wireless adapter installed?
- I know I have an internal wireless adapter, but my computer will not recognize it. Why is this possible?
- What if my personal laptop does not have a wireless network adapter?
- What kind of wireless adapter is needed to access ACCDNet (Wireless Network).
- Where can I purchase a wireless adapter?
- How can I tell the signal strength? Or how can I tell if I have a signal?
- My username and password don’t work on ACCDNet wireless network. Why? How can this be fixed?
- Why is the connection sometimes slow?
- Do we have wireless access at ACCD and the associated colleges?
Yes. Using the bond funds, ACCD IT embarked on a project to activate wireless at all the colleges and district locations. The purpose of the Wireless Campus project (ACCDNet) is to provide mobility, ubiquitous access, and the accommodation of private and ACCD owned wireless computing devices on the ACCD network. Wireless access will facilitate instruction, access to educational materials, and administrative support. It shall complement the wired network service by a level of flexibility not otherwise attainable. Over 400 access points have been installed all over the campuses to enable a wider coverage. The wireless system has centralized management options and security facilities.
- Is ACCDNet a secure connection?
Yes. ACCD’s wireless infrastructure has two types of wireless networks. ACCDNet and ACCD_GUEST. The ACCDNet wireless network is secure and requires authentication using your ACCD Network account (Active Directory). ACCD_GUEST wireless network does not require authentication but provides you with access only to the internet. Students should use the ACCD_GUEST wireless network.
- My computer shows multiple wireless networks. Does it matter which wireless network I connect to? ACCD’s wireless infrastructure has three types of wireless networks:
ACCDNet - Secure and requires ACCD Network Account.
ACCD_GUEST - Unsecured, provides you access to the Internet. Students will be able to access the Internet using this wireless network option.
ACCD_PRINT - This network is restricted for ACCD owned and authorized printers.
Some locations on campus may be covered by other wireless networks; your computer may recognize or detect other wireless networks besides ACCD. These signals, sometimes called “rogue networks” are often private networks not associated with Alamo Community Colleges or commercial networks provided by local Internet Service Providers. While access to these networks may be possible, ACCD IT does not support the use of these networks and highly recommends that they not be used.
- How do I check if my PERSONAL laptop has a wireless adapter installed?
The best way to determine if your personal computer has an internal wireless adapter is to refer to the documentation that came with your laptop, or call your vendor to find out if one was installed. Consult your documentation or call the vendor to determine how to enable a wireless adapter.
- I know I have an internal wireless adapter, but my computer will not recognize it. Why is this possible?
By default, some mobile devices may have their wireless adapters disabled. If an adapter is disabled, the operating system will not recognize it as a valid device, and you will not be able to configure it or use it until it has been enabled. If you have a ACCD owned laptop, contact the Helpdesk at 220-1616 for help in enabling your wireless adapter. For personal laptops, consult the documentation that came with your computer, or contact your vendor for help with enabling the wireless adapter. - What if my personal laptop does not have a wireless network adapter?
Most older laptops (2 years old or older) do not have wireless cards built into them. If you have an older laptop, and it does not have a built-in wireless card, you must purchase an external wireless network adapter for use with your computer. Consult your laptop’s documentation or check with the vendor to find an appropriate adapter. 6. What kind of wireless adapter is needed to access ACCDNet (Wireless Network)? ACCD requires an 802.11b or an 802.11g wireless network card.
- What kind of wireless adapter is needed to access our wireless network?
Our wireless network requires an 802.11b or an 802.11g compatible wireless network card.
- Where can I purchase a wireless adapter?
There are several local vendors that sell wireless adapters for nearly all types of computers. Online purchase is also possible, and many sites offer free or reduced shipping for certain items. No matter whom you purchase an adapter from, it is important to ensure that the specific adapter will work with your model of laptop. When buying, include as many specific details when asking about compatibility. Some important information about your laptop includes: vendor (Dell, Compaq, Gateway, Apple), the operating system (Windows XP, Macintosh OS X), and the method of connecting the wireless adapter (PCMCIA expansion slot, USB). If this is an ACCD owned laptop or a computer, contact your college Technology Services department or if you are district personnel, contact your ACCD IT department for assistance to order an appropriate wireless adapter.
- How can I tell the signal strength on my laptop? Or, how can I tell if I have a signal?
Windows XP or Windows 2000: Various Windows XP or Windows 2000 laptop models may or may not display an icon in the lower right corner of the screen that indicates the signal strength of a wireless network. The surest way to determine signal strength is to position the mouse over the Wireless Network Connection icon in the lower-right corner of the monitor. A pop-up will appear displaying the name of the network, its signal strength, and other information. Macintosh OS X: Macintosh laptops should display an AirPort icon in the Menu bar at the top of the screen. This icon is usually located to the left of the time display. The more bars that appear in the icon, the stronger your signal.
- My username and password don’t work on ACCDNet wireless network. Why? How can this be fixed?
ACCD requires a valid Alamo Community College network username and password (Active Directory account). If you do not have an account or you do not know your username and password, contact Support Central at 220-1616 for assistance.
- Why is the connection sometimes slow?
Many things can affect the speed of a wireless connection. Proximity to the access point may affect the speed of your connection; solid obstructions such as walls or columns (especially concrete or stone) can affect the strength of a wireless signal. In addition, the number of individuals attempting to use an access point at the same time will affect your connection. All hotspots are shared resources – with more people using a hotspot, less of the available bandwidth will be given to any single user. General network speed may also affect the speed of a wireless connection. T he condition of your computer will affect the speed of your connection; viruses, adware, spyware, and other malware will all decrease the computer’s ability to process information
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