CaTS | Information Technology

Wireless Connectivity

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About Wireless Connectivity

WSU Wireless (WSU_EZ_Connect)

CaTS offers a campus-wide wireless network that is free to use. All residence halls and common areas at the university have the ability to connect to the wireless network.

WSU Secure

Wright State University also has an authenticated, secure wireless network, called WSU Secure, that is accessible all over campus. This connection requires a campus username and password to use.

Eduroam

Eduroam is used for secure, international wireless connectivity by those working in research and higher education, which you can connect to using your Wright State credentials on the Dayton Campus, as well as any participating university or institution’s location.

Available To

Students, Faculty, Staff

Getting Started

WSU Wireless (WSU_EZ_Connect)

Any mobile device (smartphones, tablets, etc.) or laptop with a wireless network card built-in should automatically see any available wireless networks in range. On that list will be a connection called "WSU_EZ_Connect. This is the Wright State wireless network. Simply connect to that network, and you'll be ready to go.

WSU Secure

Any mobile device (smartphones, tablets, etc.) or laptop with a wireless network card built-in should automatically see any available wireless networks in range. On that list will be a connection called WSU Secure. This is the WSU secure wireless network. Simply connect to that network, authenticate using your campus username and password, and you'll be ready to go.

Eduroam

Any mobile device (smartphones, tablets, etc.) or laptop with a wireless network card built-in should automatically see any available wireless networks in range. On that list will be a connection called Eduroam. Simply connect to that network, authenticate using your campus username followed by '@wright.edu' (ex: w123xxx@wright.edu) and password, and you'll be ready to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

WSU Wireless (WSU_EZ_Connect)

  • What wireless connection speed does the university offer?

    Wright State University’s wireless network currently uses the 802.11ac standard. Since the 802.11ac network standard is backward compatible with all 802.11a/b/g/n wireless cards, wireless cards with the following labels should be compatible with the campus network: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac.

  • Where can I use the wireless network connection?

    The wireless connection is available in all student residence halls and all common areas of the university. However, you may experience connectivity issues in the Nutter Center and the Creative Arts Center.

  • How do I connect to the open wireless network?

    Any mobile device (smartphones, tablets, etc.) or laptop with a wireless network card built in should automatically see any available wireless networks in range. On that list will be a connection called "WSU Wireless". This is the WSU wireless network. Simply connect to that network, and you'll be ready to go.

  • Can I use the wireless network if I'm a guest at the university?

    Yes. Wright State University offers two open wireless networks for use without authentication. “WSU_EZ_Connect” is available across campus, and "Nutter-Center-Public-Welcome" is available in the Nutter Center Arena and McLin gym.

  • Can I print using the wireless network?

    Yes. Students, faculty, and staff can print using the wireless network. There are three printing options available, which are discussed below.

    1. PrintWright Service
      Students, faculty, and staff can print to any PrintWright location across campus using the wireless network. You can find help and usage instructions on the PrintWright website.
       
    2. Personal Wireless Printers
      Students, faculty, and staff can print to a personal wireless printer using the wireless network by using a printer capable of print via the manufacturer's cloud printing service. These services provide support for mobile devices and any device with email capabilities. CaTS is aware of two manufactures that produce devices with this capability: HP and Epson. Printing wirelessly directly to a printer using default wireless settings is not supported.

      Connect your printer to one of the following wireless networks: WSU_EZ_Connect or Student-Wireless. Configuration details vary among printers; the documentation and software that you received with your printer should be used if available. If you do not have access to this documentation, use the following links to obtain documentation specific to your printer:

      HP Printers
      Drivers, software, and documentation
      HP ePrint Cloud Service

      Epson Printers
      Drivers, software, and documentation
      Epson iPrint Cloud Service
       
    3. Network and Departmental Printers
      Faculty and staff only can print to network and departmental printers using the wireless network. Here's how to do so for Windows and Macintosh computers.
      1. Windows Computers
        1. Connect to the WSU-Secure wireless network, following the instructions on the Wireless Authentication website.
        2. Once connected, you can print wirelessly to any network printer you have installed.
        3. If you don't have your desired printer installed, or if it's not available, visit http://wright.edu/printers to install one (VPN/network only).
        4. If the printer you need to use is not listed, please contact the CaTS Help Desk.
      2. Macintosh Computers
        1. Connect to the WSU-Secure wireless network, following the instructions on the Wireless Authentication website.
        2. Once connected, you can print wirelessly to any network printer you have installed.
        3. If you don't have your desired printer installed, or if it's not available, visit http://wright.edu/printers to install one.
  • I'm a student living on campus. Can I use a wireless printer in my room?

    Yes, students living in the residence halls can print to a wireless printer. See the question above titled "Can I print using the wireless network?" for more information.

  • Can students living in the residence halls install their own routers or access points?

    We prohibit students from setting up their own routers and access points in the residence halls.

WSU Secure

  • What is wireless authentication?

    Wireless authentication is simply the method Wright State University uses to make certain only WSU-affiliated individuals are using our wireless network. To accomplish this, we have installed a wireless authentication system that asks each user trying to access the wireless connection to login with their campus username and password. If the user does not have an account, or if their account information is incorrect, they will not be able to access the wireless network.

  • Why use wireless authentication?

    Without wireless authentication, anyone with a wirelessly equipped computer can access the university's wireless network anonymously. This can open up many security vulnerabilities that could cause severe problems with the wireless network. By having individuals authenticate, many of these problems can be avoided.

  • How do I connect to the secure wireless network?

    Any mobile device (smartphones, tablets, etc.) or laptop with a wireless network card built in should automatically see any available wireless networks in range. On that list will be a connection called "WSU Secure". This is the WSU secure wireless network. Simply connect to that network, authenticate using your campus username and password (see below), and you'll be ready to go.

     

  • How long does my authentication last?

    Many devices (such as smartphones and tablets) will store your login information. Authentication then becomes automatic when a connection is made to the secure network. Please note: you will need to update the login information on your device when you create a new password.

  • How do I update the login information on my device?

    The easiest and most reliable way to update your login information is to delete the "WSU-Secure" connection, then go through the connection process again.

  • What about mobile phones and other handheld devices?

    All that is required for most mobile phones and handheld devices to access the network is your username and password.

  • I'm getting a box asking me about a certificate called authctrl.wright.edu. What do I do?

    Simply select "Accept" or "Continue".

  • What information does this system log regarding my device and network usage?

    The date and time of your authentication is logged.

  • Who has access to the logged data?

    Only CaTS employees who require this data for use in problem resolution will access the logs.

  • What is the purpose of the utility at http://access.wright.edu/wireless?

    This configuration utility is intended for use for clients running a Windows operating system. This utility sets configuration options within Windows for compatibility with the authenticated wireless network. No software is permanently added to your computer. VPN/network only.

  • How secure is the "WSU-Secure" network?

    The WSU-Secure wireless network incorporates the latest wireless security protocols. This provides excellent protection for your wireless data, based on the strength of your campus password. For better security, please choose a strong password. Wireless security does not replace the need for responsible use on the Internet; be aware of potential hazards at all times.

  • How do I "Forget" and "Renew" the WSU-Secure network on my device?

    To forget and renew the WSU-Secure network on your mobile device (usually done for troubleshooting purposes), follow these steps.

    iOS Devices

    • Go to Settings.
    • Tap Wi-Fi.
    • Tap WSU-Secure.
    • Tap Forget This Network.
    • Tap Forget.
    • Tap W-Fi in the top left.
    • Allow your device to scan for wireless networks.
    • Tap WSU-Secure again.
    • Enter your campus "w" username.
    • Enter your password.
    • Tap Join.
    • If asked, accept the authentication certificate.
    • For directions with screenshots, see here.

    Android Devices

    For Android devices, note that you may see different options based on the operating system version you are using.

    • Go to Settings.
    • Tap Wi-Fi..
    • Select WSU-Secure Wireless Network.
    • Tap Forget.
    • Re-select WSU-Secure Wireless Network.
    • Enter your password.
    • Save your changes.

Guidelines

Computing and Telecommunications Services (CaTS) recognizes the increasing importance of wireless networking to the campus community. Wireless connectivity utilizes airspace as a network media. CaTS is responsible for ensuring the network performance, integrity, and security of wireless airspace.

Implementation

CaTS is responsible for the installation of all wireless (802.11) equipment for the university. The equipment which is currently being deployed supports the 802.11ac standard in both the 2.4GHz and 5.0 GHz spectrum. Clients must be aware of the possible interference from other wireless services that also use this range. Devices may include cordless phones, microwaves, and other wireless devices. Any of these devices which are installed on the campus and interfere with the campus wireless network must be removed.