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CENTRAL REFERENCE

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Wireless Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wireless LAN?

A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a network that allows access to UIUCnet and the Internet without the need for any wired connections to the user's machine.

Where in the Library can I find wireless LAN?

In the Main Library, 1408 W. Gregory:

  • Applied Health Sciences Library
    Notes: Room 146 and surrounding areas. Formerly called Applied Life Studies Library.

  • Archives
    Notes: Partial coverage

  • Business and Economics Library
    Notes: Rooms 101 and 123. Formerly called Commerce Library.

  • Library and Information Science Library
    Notes: Room 306 and surrounding areas

  • History, Philosophy, and Newspaper Library
    Notes: Room 246 and surrounding areas

  • Reference Library
    Notes: South half

For additional wireless access locations in departmental libraries and other buildings on campus, click here.

What can I do when connected to a wireless network?

You can use wireless for Library services, such as Online Catalogs, article indexes, in addition to email, Web browsing, Meeting Maker/Corporate Time access, and printing to local network printers. You should not use wireless for streaming audio/video, very large downloads or viewing extremely graphic-intensive Web sites.

Even though wireless networks look attractive for use everywhere, wired networks still give the best performance and speed. In general, a wireless connection works just like a wired Ethernet connection. Network speeds may be noticeably slower when many people are using wireless, and generally will not be as fast as wired Ethernet. For permanent network connections, a wired network is the best solution. For more information about wireless networking speed, click here.

What do I need to begin using wireless?

To connect to the wireless network, you will need:

  • Your Network ID (or a valid guest account).
  • To be in a location with wireless network signal.
  • A wireless device that is compatible with either the 802.11b, 802.11a, or 802.11g wireless networking standards.
  • Your wireless device to detect the UIUCnet Wireless signal in the wireless location you're in.
  • To log in through either QuickConnect and a web browser or a VPN client.

Can anybody connect to UIUC Library wireless networks?

Anyone with a Network ID and password or valid guest account may connect to the UIUC Library wireless network. All University students, faculty, and staff members should have a Network ID and password. If you are a guest visiting the Urbana-Champaign campus, you can talk to a network administrator in the department sponsoring your visit and arrange a guest account that will provide you with network access for a laptop computer. The Library does not sponsor individuals for guest accounts.

Any current student, faculty, or staff member at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign can create short-term guest accounts for two users that last for up to three days, provided that the guests agree to follow the Campus Appropriate Use Policy and Terms of Use. See CITES Guest Services for more information.

Once an appropriate University affiliated sponsor has been obtainted, guests can obtain a temporary account to use wireless in the library. The Library IT Help Desk (office hours M - F, 8:30 - 5:00), Room 314, will then be able to issue a guest user name and password. You will need to show a photo ID and have a letter from your Department sponsor.

If you do not have a University affiliated sponsor, you may be able to use local wi-fi hotspots or see CITES Public Wireless (more information below).

What do I need to use QuickConnect?

  • Your Network ID (or a valid guest account).
  • Wireless Networking Card (802.11b compatible).
  • Connection to the Wireless network with a "Good" or "Excellent" signal strength
  • Web Browser

For more information about using the wireless network through QuickConnect, please see the UIUCnet QuickConnect Jump Start guide or for additional information, this QuickConnect page.

What is VPN?

Virtual Private Networking (VPN) allows you to connect to UIUC's network using a on-campus wireless connection. For wireless connections, VPN is used for authentication.

What do I need to use the VPN?

  • Your Network ID (or a valid guest account).
  • Wireless Networking Card (802.11b compatible).
  • Connection to the Wireless network with a "Good" or "Excellent" signal strength
  • VPN Client Software
  • VPN Wireless Profile

For more information about using the wireless network through the VPN, please see the VPN Jump Start guide or for more information, this VPN page.

Why would I want to use the VPN?

Although you can do many things using QuickConnect, the VPN is more secure and is the only way to access the full range of networking options from a wireless computer. For a more detailed explanation of the advantages of the VPN, please visit the VPN for Wireless Users page.

What do I do if my wireless device does not detect the wireless signal?

You will need to configure your wireless card to UIUCnet Wireless. For more information about configuring your wireless card, please visit the Connecting Your Wireless Device page.

Can I access UIUC Library's wireless networks with my PDA?

Yes. The requirements for connecting to the UIUC Library's wireless networks are the same as connecting with any other device. See the answer to "What do I need to begin using wireless?"

Does a wireless card use a lot of power?

Yes. A laptop's batteries will deplete much faster while using wireless.

Where can I download tipsheets?

Tipsheets are available for users to download. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to read the PDF files.

UIUCnet QuickConnect Jump Start guide
VPN Jump Start guide

How do I print?

Please see this page at the Library Systems office.

Is there public wireless in the Main Library?

The University Library--in cooperation with CITES--now offers public wireless connectivity for campus visitors. This service is available in the public areas in most Library facilities. The complete list of public wireless locations on campus is available at the CITES UI Public Wireless website. Public wireless is intended for visitors who have no formal affiliation with the University. With a wireless-enabled laptop, visitors can connect to the Internet using a web browser and can send and receive email using an off-campus email server. Information on getting started is available on the CITES UI Public Wireless website. Because UI Public Wireless is NOT recommended for campus affiliates, members of the University community should continue to use their active NetID or UI guest account to connect to UIUCnet Wireless,the fully-functional campus wireless network.

If you have problems using with public wireless: The public wireless service is managed and supported by CITES. You may contact the CITES Help Desk at 244-7000.

I need more help. Where Can I find Additional Information?

Please visit CITES Wireless pages for additional FAQs and troubleshooting.