The UNCA wireless network is an extension of the UNCA wired network. It allows users of portable computers to use UNCA network resources over an 802.11b/G ("Wi-Fi") radio link.

How does a wireless networking work?

The wireless network uses radio and microwaves to send and receive data. Wireless networks take digital data (1’s and 0’s) and convert it into radio waves. This digital-to-analog and vice-versa technique allows radio waves to transmit data in open air. 802.11b and 802.11g networks use radio frequencies in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz range.

What hardware is needed?

In order to use the wireless network, a laptop computer or other portable device is needed with a compatible wireless network card.

What kind of wireless card is needed?

Any 802.11b or 802.11g network card should work with UNCA’s wireless network. To use the maximum capabilities of the UNCA wireless network, buy 802.11g capable products.

What areas of campus are covered?

Current wireless coverage areas include the east end of Robinson Hall (Physics area), all of Ramsey Library including Cafe Ramsey and the Glass House area, the central campus Quad area in front of Ramsey Library and all of the new Highsmith Student Union building. Other locations such as the Dining Hall and Lipinsky Auditorium are under consideration and will be announced when available.

How fast is the wireless network?

802.11b supports data rates up to 11 Mbps (megabits per second). 802.11g supports data rates up to 54 Mbps. However, it is a shared medium (radio waves), and there are many variables in radio coverage such as physical barriers like elevators, bookcases, or heavy steel doors, human density, and number of network users. Actual throughput is usually 2-6 Mbps with 802.11b and 22 Mbps for 802.11g.

What is the range of wireless?

The range of a wireless device depends on many factors: radio interference, or “noise,” distance from an access point, connection speed, and physical interference. Indoors, the range of a wireless network card is between 50 and 200 feet. Outdoors (line of sight), the range can be up to 1,000 feet.

Is wireless networking secure?

Wireless network security is a serious issue. Wireless is not only a shared medium, but also a medium that is broadcast via radio waves. Therefore, anyone with a wireless card could monitor your network traffic, which could include passwords, account numbers, etc. Thus the data being transferred is inherently insecure. In order to protect data, please ensure it is encrypted using SSL, SSH, or VPN.

What is 802.11b? 802.11a? 802.11g?

802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g are standards that have been developed by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers). The IEEE is an international organization that develops standards for hundreds of electronic and electrical technologies. The organization uses a series of numbers, like the Dewey Decimal system in libraries, to differentiate between the various technology families.

The 802 committee develops standards for local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs). 802.11 is then further divided. 802.11b, or Wi-Fi, is a standard for wireless LANs operating in the 2.4 GHz spectrum with a maximum shared bandwidth of 11 Mbps (megabits per second). Another standard, 802.11g, is for WLANs operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency but with a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps. 802.11g uses the same technology as 802.11b but the bandwidth (speed) has increased. 802.11a is a different standard for wireless LANs operating in the 5 GHz frequency range with a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps.

--From Wi-Fi Alliance: http://www.wi-fi.org/OpenSection/FAQ.asp?TID=2#what_is

Is a wired Ethernet card still needed?

Generally, the answer is yes. Most mobile users will want to use their computer on the wired network where available, in addition to the wireless networks. Although wireless offers a very mobile solution, it is slower, shared, and fundamentally less secure than wired network connections.

Does wireless networking cause interferance?