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Wireless frequently asked questionsAlso refer to the Wireless self help and troubleshooting guide
General wireless informationEquipment
Access to wireless
Information about WLANCordless handset interference
General wireless informationWhat is a Wireless LAN?A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a local area network (LAN) in which the data is carried to and from the end-users (clients) via radio waves instead of wires. Each WLAN has one or more base stations called wireless access points (WAPs) which bridge the data into the wired network and communicate by radio with the clients. EquipmentWhat equipment do I need to get connected?The most common form of wireless LAN client card is a PCMCIA card with an antenna (usually embedded in epoxy) which protrudes about 2cm beyond the case of the PC. These cards are intended mainly for use in notebook and handheld PCs where the mobility of wireless networking is of most benefit. However wireless cards can also be used in desktop PCs. Where can I get a wireless card?Monash bookshops stock wireless cards. They are also available from many computer stores, and are even built into most recent notebook computers. How much does a wireless card cost?Prices ranges from $100 to around $200, depending on the card. What brand of wireless card should I buy?Many brands will work with the Monash wireless network, but only a few will be supported by IT Services' Service Desk. The supported brands initially were Avaya and Cisco. Which IEEE wireless standards does Monash support?The Cisco access points deployed through all the Victorian campuses support 802.11b and/or 802.11g. What is the difference between WiFi and 802.11, aren't they the same?In short no, as they represent different entities.
As such, a WiFi certified card has "the tick of approval" by the WiFi Alliance, and should be compatible with, in our case the Cisco Access Points we have deployed across the various Victorian campuses. Look for the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED logo with color-coded standard indicator icons (SII) on product packaging, to check for compatibility. A list of brands which conform to the standards and which should work with the Monash security protocols can be found at WiFi Alliance Certified Products. I already have a wireless card. Can I use it with the Monash Wireless Network?Yes, if it conforms to the IEEE 802.11b and/or IEEE 802.11g standard, and operates correctly with the protocols used at Monash. Refer to WiFi Alliance Certified Products for a list of Wireless Cards that are WiFi certified. Access to wirelessWhere are wireless networks installed?The wireless LANs are primarily installed in libraries, meeting rooms, conference areas, and enclosed cafe areas. WAPs are also installed in faculty areas as requested by the Faculty. Coverage maps are published on the wireless website and are regularly updated as new WAPs are installed. A list of wireless locations is online. How do I know which areas are covered by WLAN?The coverage maps on the wireless website will give a good indication of which parts of the campus are covered. You will also see a wireless logo appearing on the doors and walls of some rooms to indicate the presence of a wireless network. How close do I have to be to an access point (base stations)?Indoors each access point can cover a range of about 30-50 metres but this varies depending on obstructions, the materials used in the building construction etc. Outdoors the range is at least 100-200 metres. How fast ands safe is WLAN?How fast is WLAN?The data is transferred at a top rate of 54 Mbit/s which is about as fast as a conventional wired ethernet connection. However, as you move further away from an access point the signal gets weaker and the data is sent at a lower rate. So you may find that the data rate drops back to 2 or even 1 Mbit/s. This is still at least twenty times faster than a fast modem. Are WLANs safe?The radio transmissions are very low power (less than one tenth of a Watt), and conform to all of the Australian and overseas health standards. For example, the power from a mobile phone is about twenty times greater than a WLAN card. What can staff do about cordless handset interference?The older 2.4GHz cordless handsets interfer with the wireless network. If you have these in your area they should be replaced. If you purchased the handset from ITS Installations To swap the handset:
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