Tech Support

Wireless Access at Eastern

Last Update: 19 March 2009

Since the Fall 2005 semester, Eastern University has been providing wireless access to the campus network, network services and the Internet at specific on-campus locations.  As of Fall 2007 significant upgrades have been made to the wireless network, including deployment of access points to new campus locations. As of Fall 2008 the wireless network is under new software management.  Prior methods of connecting to the wireless network (i.e. Odyssey client, etc.) are no longer valid. Please see below on how to configure your computer for our wireless network.

Because parts of this installation are new, fine-tuning changes will likely occur periodically as patterns of network usage emerge.  Your patience is appreciated as we implement these changes.

What's New?What's New?

  • 03/19/2009: Look for the NEW "Wireless Hotspot" signs around campus to know where to connect!
  • 03/19/2009: What is the difference between the Eastern-Guest and Eastern-Full wireless networks?
  • 9/05/2008: Connectivity is now easier with new hardware upgrades. You can use the Microsoft Windows Wireless Network Manager to login to the Eastern-Full wireless network. See below for configuration details.
  • 9/20/2007: Trying to run your own wireless router from your office or room?  Click here for more information.

Useful links:

Error Messages:

Where is wireless access available?
What's New?Look for the new "Wireless Hotspot" signs!!

Eastern University provides wireless access to the campus network, network services and the Internet in the following locations:

  • Three outside locations are now available outside of Gough, the field side of the Gymnasium and the whole walkway from McInnis to Walton.
  • Warner Memorial Library and Harold C. Howard Center
  • Walton Hall Student Lounges (1st and 2nd Floors), Baird Library, and the Jammin' Java Cafe
  • McInnis Learning Center
  • Fowler Hall Great Room
  • Kea, Guffin, Gough, Hainer and Gallup Residence Halls
  • Doane, Sparrowk and Eagle Residence Halls
  • Gymnasium: Training Room, Main Gym and the whole Second Floor
  • Auxillary Buildings: Gym Cottage, Gatehouse, Adams Hall, and Ott Hall

The Harold C. Howard Center has numerous wired data jacks around the columns on the 2nd and 3rd floors for users who's laptops may not support wireless access. 

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How do I setup my laptop to connect wirelessly to the network? 

Connectivity to the network is determined based on (1) the operating system of your computer and (2) the determined level of security. We recommend that you use either Windows XP or Windows 7 or Windows Vista (either Business or Ultimate Editions) to ensure proper connectivity.  Furthermore, we recommend that any member of the Eastern student, faculty, staff or administration follow the instructions below to setup 802.1x security.  Although guest-level access is permitted, we recommend for security reasons that you use the 802.1x security protocol (click here for more information).

See below for differences between the Eastern-Guest and Eastern-Full wireless networks.

Please follow the instructions below to setup your laptop for wireless connectivity. 

(1) To ensure the highest level of possible security and reliability, you are encouraged to be using the Windows XP operating system.  Users with Windows XP, Vista, or 7 will use the Windows Wireless Network Manager to control connectivity to the network.

(2) Your computer should also have installed all the latest security patches and updates available through Windows Update.

(3) Your computer should have virus scanning software such as AVG Anti-Virus with the latest virus definition files.  Students, faculty, staff and administration should contact Academic Computing (extension 1726) to have this program installed.

(4) Depending on your operating system, setup guides are available here as Adobe PDFs

(5) Before using the network, please read our Policy on Network and Computing Ethics (Acceptable Use Policy) located here.  All network users are responsible for the content therein.

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I am trying to setup my own wireless router in my room or office.  How do I set this up?

While many people are comfortable buying and installing an "off-the-shelf" wireless router (such as a Linksys or NetGear), Eastern University does not support the installation of personal access points (wireless routers, hubs or access points) in the institution's facilities.  These have the ability to disrupt wireless network usage for others using Eastern's access points.  For the benefit of your connection and the community's use of the network, you are encouraged to unplug and remove your access point.

If you are trying to install your own wireless router because you are not getting connectivity from Eastern's wireless network, please let us know.  While we are working to have sufficient coverage in all the major working areas, it is possible that there are small "cold spots" in various locations we have yet to locate and remedy.

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What levels of access are supported for the wireless connection?  Is my wireless connection secure?

Access to the wireless network (and to various parts of the network) is determined by the level of security set on your computer.  It is recommended that you use either Windows XP or Windows Vista and configure your computer for 802.1x security (see the setup instructions above).

Please note that the 802.1x security protocol (described below) is providing security between the laptop and wireless access point only.  The user must still exercise all of the usual cautions when using the Internet, including cautions regarding phishing scams and providing personal and credit information to "unknown" websites.

Currently two levels of access and security are supported:  

  • Eastern-Guest Network:  The Eastern-Guest wireless network grants access to the Internet only; access to http:// or https:// websites are the only permitted transactions. Other Internet services such as Skype, AIM, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo Messenger will not work while logged into the Eastern-Guest Network.  Users are permitted to access Eastern's E-net services, including Webmail and Faculty & Student Services.  While the connection to secure websites (those beginning with https://) are encrypted, the data connection between the computer and access point is unencrypted. For this reason, users are advised against the transmission of sensitive data when using the Eastern-Guest network.

    Eastern students, faculty, staff and administration are encouraged to follow the above setup instructions for their operating system which will ensure full security access.

  • Eastern-Full Network (802.1X security): This is the recommended wireless network to use. The Eastern-Full wireless network is accessible by those students, faculty, staff and administration already having a valid username and password with Eastern University. Once logged onto the Eastern-Full network, users are able to use the Internet, other Internet services (Skype, AIM, MSN Messenger, etc.), e-mail, Eastern's E-net Services and any other Eastern services accessible over the campus network. This connection is secured using 802.1X authentication which provides the highest level of security with 128-bit encryption. This level of security requires either Windows XP, Windows Vista or Mac OS X.  Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 does not work well, if at all, with 802.1X authentication since it is an older operating system.  Instructions for configuring your laptop for 802.1x security are available here.
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What wireless speeds does the network support?

Eastern University wireless access points support the following transmission speeds:

  • 802.11a (slowest speed)
  • 802.11b (intermediate speed)
  • 802.11g (fastest speed)

Please check the documentation on your wireless card to determine which speeds you are able to implement.

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Are Windows Vista or Mac OS X computers able to connect to the wireless network?

Currently we have tested only the Business and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista for wireless connectivity.  While these have successfully connected, we have not yet tested either the Home or Home Premium editions.  They versions may have not have identical functionality as those we have tested, and so we cannot guarantee connectivity to the wireless network.

We are currently in process of testing connectivity with Mac computers (specifically OS X).  While we have not yet encountered any problems with connectivity.
 
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I'm having problems getting my wireless connection set up properly.  Who do I contact for help?

For problems configuring laptops for wireless access, please contact Academic Computing at extension 1726.

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