Wireless Access
Wireless access points are available throughout the majority vast majority of our residential areas. Limited exceptions are noted below.
Limited Wireless Access Points
Northwood IV & V Community Apartments
- McIntyre Northwood Community Center Multipurpose Room
Wireless Routers
Until wireless presence is available, University Housing is still allowing residents that would like wireless capability in Northwood IV & V to use their own wireless routers (also known as wireless access points).
Because these optional routers will be using the University network, it is important that all residents properly set up secure wireless networks, in order to prevent any misuse.
It is important to remember that you are responsible for all activity that happens on your wireless network. If you leave the wireless network unsecured, or give the wireless network password to somebody who chooses to misuse it, it is still your responsibility.
Below are the setup instructions for two of the routers that are sold at the Computer Showcase.
Ethernet cables are necessary for setting up your router, but they are not always included in the purchase of your router. Ethernet cables can be purchased from the Computer Showcase.
Linksys 4 Port Wireless N Broadband Router
You will need two Ethernet cables to set this up. One is provided with the router, but it is up to you to get the other.
Insert the installation CD. This will take you through the setup process step by step. It is very important that you put the CD in first and follow the steps exactly.
Choose the language you would like to use for setup.
Accept the agreement; click "Next".
Step 1: Plug in an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port on the wall to your router. On the router, you are going to plug it into the port that is furthest left (it is a different color than the others.)
Step 2: Plug the other Ethernet cable into your computer and connect it to the router. For this step, you can plug the cable into any of the router’s remaining ports.
Step 3: Connect the power cord from the router to the wall.
Choose a network name that you will remember and that is unique. You should choose a password that is complicated and you don’t use anywhere else.
You will be asked to pick your security settings. You MUST use the higher security option.
After you configure all of your security options, the program will automatically create a text file on your computer with all of your security information, in case you should forget it.
When you have finished going through the steps, a screen will come up and tell you that the process is complete.
For PC Users: After the end of the process, you will be asked to install different things such as Home Network Defender and the Yahoo Toolbar. You do not need to install these. You will be forced to install NetMagic. This is software that will allow you to make changes and control your wireless network. You will be given the option to setup e-mail updates—you do not need to do this (unless you would like to receive the updates).
Airport Extreme Base Station
For Windows Users: Before setting up the airport extreme, you need to download the Airport Utility, available from http://support.apple.com/downloads/ Follow the prompts to install, and restart your computer. If updates are available, be sure to install them. If asked, allow firewall access.
General Instructions:
You will need two Ethernet cables to set this up—neither cable is provided with the router.
Connect one Ethernet cable from the port on the wall to the far left port on the Airport Extreme. Connect the second cable from the computer to one of the three remaining ports. Plug the Airport power cord in.
A setup screen should pop up on your computer screen. Click “Continue”.
Choose an account name and password. This will not be your network name and password, but will be what you use to change the Airport Extreme settings in the future.
Create a new network. Be sure to pick a network name that is unique and memorable. Your password should be complex and something that you don’t use anywhere else.
You have the option of creating a guest network as well. It is up to you if you would like to do this—just remember that you are responsible for any activity on your wireless networks.
You will be asked about your Internet connection; leave the default answer marked (“connect using DSL or cable”).
Make sure all of your settings are correct, and you are ready to use the wireless.
If the network does not initially show up on your Airport, turn it off and back on, and it should find it.
