Wireless Access Information

  1. Where can I access wireless Internet on the UB campus?
  2. Who can use the UB wireless Internet?
  3. Can Alumni use the wireless network?
  4. How do I logon?
  5. Can I access my e-mail from the wireless Internet?
  6. How can I print while connected to the wireless Internet?
  7. How can I access files on my M: drive while connected to the wireless Internet?
  8. Is the wireless network secure?
  9. What is the UB wireless policy?
  10. What is the UB SSID?
  11. What is an SSID?
  12. Which protocols are supported?
  13. What services are enabled for access over the wireless network?
  14. What types of wireless network cards will work?
  15. Should I configure my laptop to use ad-hoc or infrastructure mode?
  16. How long is my wireless session active?
  17. I received a notice that I've been "Blacklisted" - what does that mean?
  18. I can't remember my network account password. Who should I call?
  19. I can't connect to the network, where should I go for support?
  20. Can I use my laptop to connect to Ethernet ports in the general-purpose labs?
  21. What are some tips for troubleshooting connection problems?
  22. I'm using a laptop that is configured to use static IP addressing, how should I modify the configuration settings to use DHCP?
  23. What steps should I take to better secure my laptop?

  1. Where can I access wireless Internet on the UB campus?

    • Law Center - All floors
    • Business Center - All floors
    • Langsdale Library - All floors
    • Student Center - All floors
    • Charles Royal Building - All floors
    • Academic Center - All floors
    • Gordon Plaza (in front of the Law Center building)
    • Charles Foundation

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  2. Who can use the UB wireless Internet?

    Current UB students, faculty, and staff are able to access the wireless Internet. Authentication to the wireless network requires a valid UB network account/password.

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  3. Can Alumni use the wireless network?

    No, alumni cannot access the wireless network. All alumni accounts expired in September 2005. (Please note that alumni network accounts are no longer being created.)

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  4. How do I logon?

    When in an area where wireless is accessible, open a web browser. The UB Wireless Network logon screen will appear. Enter your NetID username and password. (Same account used to access the MyUB portal, e-mail, computer labs.)

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  5. Can I access my UB e-mail from the wireless Internet?

    Yes. After you logon the wireless network, go to the MyUB Portal to access your UB e-mail account.

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  6. How can I print while connected to the wireless Internet?

    UB Network printers are available while connected to the wireless network.

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  7. How can I access files on my M: drive while connected to the wireless Internet?

    The M: drive is available through the MyUB Portal. Links to network drives (M:, H:, and, for some, R: and S:) are located in the E-mail and Shared Drives pagelet available on the first portal tab (MyPage).

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  8. Is the wireless network secure?

    Wireless transmissions over the UB wireless infrastructure are not encrypted and should not be relied upon as secure. It is not recommended that personal or sensitive data be transmitted over the wireless network. Users are responsible for protecting data on personal devices.

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  9. What is the UB wireless policy?

    The UB Wireless Policy is available on the web at http://www.ubalt.edu/policies

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  10. What is the UB SSID?

    The SSID for the University of Baltimore wireless network is ubalt-guest. In some cases, it may be necessary to specifiy the SSID in the configuration settings for the wireless card before connecting to the wireless network.

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  11. What is an SSID?

    SSID is the "Service Set Identifier". Basically, it's the name of the wireless network you are joining.

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  12. Which protocols are supported?

    The UB wireless network will support 802.11b and 802.11g protocols. It is important to make sure the wireless card used in your laptop or PDA will be compatible with these protocols.

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  13. What services are enabled for access over the wireless network?

    HTTP (web), HTTPS (secure web), POP3, IMAP, SMTP, FTP, AOL IM, RDP, and ICA.

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  14. What types of wireless network cards will work?

    Most network cards that are compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g should work just fine with proper installation and configuration of the software supplied with the wireless network card. Bluetooth wireless devices will not work.

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  15. Should I configure my laptop to use ad-hoc or infrastructure mode?

    Personal devices should be set to infrastructure (sometimes called "access point") mode for wireless Internet access. If your device is set to "peer-to-peer" (or "Ad-Hoc"), it will not work.

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  16. How long is my wireless session active?

    Wireless sessions will remain active until the user chooses to log out. Wireless sessions will timeout after 5 minutes if you move to a location without a wireless signal.

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  17. I received a notice that I've been "Blacklisted" - what does that mean?

    A wireless user that attempts to logon three (3) times unsuccessfully will be labeled as "blacklisted", and will be temporarily unable to access the login screen. After 60 seconds, a reset will automatically occur and the user may attempt to logon again.

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  18. I can't remember my password. Who should I call?

    You can look up your netID and reset your password at https://mypw.ubalt.edu. If you cannot access that page, please contact the OTS Call Center at 410.837.6262.

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  19. I can't connect to the network, where should I go for support?

    UB policy on wireless support

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  20. Can I use my laptop to connect to Ethernet ports in the general-purpose labs?

    Wired Ethernet access for personal devices is provided in select locations on campus. Access to campus resources (printing, network file storage, email) will be similar to users of the wireless network. How to configure a laptop to use wired Ethernet ports (DHCP): Individuals are responsible for providing an Ethernet cable. Locations of UB Plug-N-Go Zones include:
    • Academic Center 103 computer lab, designated ports located around the rear table
    • Business Center student lounge on the 3rd floor

    As a general rule, Ethernet ports in the general-purpose labs and most classrooms are connected to the secured campus network and are restricted to use by University owned and managed devices only. For network security reasons, personal devices may not be connected to restricted Ethernet ports. Reference the UB Network Security Policy for more information.

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  21. What are some tips for troubleshooting connection problems?

    If others around you are also experiencing problems, then the problem may be network related. Please call x6262 to report.

    If others around you are able to connect to the Internet using wireless laptops, then the problem is likely isolated to your device.
    • Make sure that you are physically located in an area that will receive the wireless signal.
    • Make sure that your wireless network card is compatible with 802.11b or 802.11g, properly installed, and configured
    • Make sure all wireless encryption (WEP for example) is disabled
    • Make sure that your wireless device is configured for "Infrastructure" or "Access Point" mode
    • Define the SSID if necessary
    • Make sure that your wireless device is configured to obtain an IP and DNS address automatically (see below)
    • If you utilize a dialup network account, you may need to configure it not to dial automatically.
    • If you are at the login screen and unable to login you may need to have your password reset, please call the OTS Call Center at 410.837.6262

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  22. I'm using a laptop that is configured to use static IP addressing, how should I modify the configuration settings to use DHCP?

    How to configure a laptop to use DHCP for wireless or wired Ethernet

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  23. What steps should I take to better secure my laptop?

    • Keep your Operating System updated will all current critical patches and updates
    • Use reliable anti-virus software and update daily
    • Avoid peer-to-peer connections
    • Disable file and print sharing
    • Install a software-based firewall (Zone Alarm at www.zonealarm.com is free for personal use)
    • Use software to detect and delete spyware (Ad-Aware may be downloaded for free at http://www.lavasoftusa.com/)
    • Do not open suspect email or attachments
    • Do not leave your laptop unattended, or it may not be there when you get back!

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How to configure a laptop to use wired Ethernet ports (DHCP):

Most laptops with an Ethernet card will already have appropriate configurations to use wired Ethernet jacks. Plug in the Ethernet cable, boot the laptop, and launch the browser. If the browser launches and is able to navigate the Internet, you are successful! If not, it may be necessary to modify the TCP/IP configuration on the laptop.

Prior to changing configuration, remember to record original settings!

  1. Start, Run
  2. Type CMD in the box, click "OK"
  3. At the ">" prompt type: ipconfig/ all

Record these settings:

  • Current IP Address
  • Primary WINS Resolution
  • Secondary WINS Resolution
  • DNS Configuration
  • Domain Suffix Search Order
  • Gateway

Windows 2000

  1. Start-->Settings-->Network and Dial-up Connections-->Local Area Connection
  2. Click "Properties"
  3. Select "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)"
  4. Click "Properties"
  5. Check the boxes for:
    • "Obtain an IP Address Automatically"
    • "Obtain DNS server address automatically"
  6. (Other boxes should gray-out)
  7. Reboot

Windows XP

  1. Start-->Control Panel-->Network and Internet Connections-->Network Connections-->Local Area Connection
  2. Click "Properties"
  3. Select "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)"
  4. Click "Properties"
  5. Check the boxes for:
    • "Obtain an IP Address Automatically"
    • "Obtain DNS server address automatically"
  6. (Other boxes should gray-out)
  7. Reboot

MacOS X

  1. From the Apple Menu choose "System Preferences" then "Network"
  2. Select the "TCP/IP" tab
  3. Set the "Configure:" selection to "Built-in Ethernet"
  4. Set the "Configure:" selection to "Using DHCP"
  5. Add "lco.cl" to the "Search Domains" field
  6. Close the TCP/IP control panel
  7. Click "Save"

Linux

  1. Run netconfig as root. Select "Use dynamic IP configuration (BOOTP/DHCP)" from second screen, using space bar and tab to select OK
  2. No other changes are necessary.