The wireless network is a network available to any Clark College student with a laptop capable of a wireless connection. At the present time, wireless access is available in the Penguin Student Union Center, APH, and in the West Gaiser Hall expansion area (including the student center stage area).

The advantage of wireless networking is the ability to roam about the campus, without the limitations of a wired connection. Wired connections still give the best performance and speed, however wireless connections offer the most mobility.

In general, a wireless connection works just like a wired Ethernet connection. Wireless bandwidth is shared among all users connected via wireless in a given area. This means that 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.

return to top

Wireless access will be available to anyone in the above mentioned areas; guests will be limited in their access to only Clark College web sites.

Students who have a Clark College account will be able to browse both the Clark College web sites and the Internet. Access to printing and lab shared drives are unavailable.

Student accounts
How do I create a student account?
Student accounts are created automatically for all currently enrolled students on a daily basis. If you are a newly enrolled student your account will be created and available for you to use on the following business day after you register. See instructions on setting up a student account.

return to top

Install the wireless network interface card (NIC), if one is not already installed. If you need help installing your wireless network card, contact a computer support vendor of your choice.

In most new laptops, the wireless NIC is integrated in the laptop and you don’t have to purchase one.

Launch your client software and make sure you turn off encryption.

SETTING UP A PC
To verify that your wireless NIC is installed correctly, right click on “My Computer” from the desktop and select “Properties.” On Windows 95/98/ME machines click on the “Device Manager” tab. On Windows XP/2000 machines click on the “Hardware” tab and then click on the “Device Manager” button. Your wireless NIC should be listed under “Network adapters.

SETTING UP A MAC
You must have a Mac and an OS that supports an airport wireless NIC. Once your computer is running and is booted, click on the “Signal Strength” icon located on the menu bar in the upper right hand corner of your screen.

Make sure there is a check mark next to “Clark_Student” and you will be connected.

return to top

How you connect depends on the operating system you are using. Generally, you will follow the steps below:

1. In the lower right-hand corner of your task bar, browse for your visible wireless network icon.
2. Select the Clark_Students network name.
3. Select “No Encryption” and the lowest level of security.
4. In Windows XP, check “Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network even though it is not secure.”

After you launch your web browser’s window, you will be taken to the Clark College homepage. Attempts to access off campus sites will re-direct you to the student authentication page where you are required to enter your username and password.

Setting up your Student Account
Student accounts are created with the following naming convention:
Your user name was displayed on the “Change Student Password” screen. Your User Name is composed of the following elements:

• The first letter of your first name
• The first four (4) letters of your last name
• The last four (4) digits of your SID

Example:
Name: john smith
SID: 949456789
Logon: jsmit6789

Your password is the one that you create using your global PIN. Visit a campus computer lab or kiosk to setup your password.

Example:
Memorable phrase: Every day is a good day!
Resulting password: Ediagd!

If I do not have a Clark College student account, can I still use the system?
Yes. If you are a guest of Clark College, you are entitled to a guest acount that is limited in access to only Clark College web sites.

Logging Out
On Macintosh computers using Safari or Mozilla: In the Popup Window, select the Log Out link. At the end of each session, you should log out to prevent others from misusing your account.

Note: If you browser blocks popups: you will either need to turn popup blocking off, or tell your browser to allow popups from the clark.edu domain.

When you log out, you will be redirected to the Network Authentication page.

How do I know I'm connected to the Wireless Network?
You can check your network connectivity status by looking at the Status and Activity indicators on the wireless PC Card Antenna. The Status light will blink when a connection is made. The Activity light will blink when data is transmitted.

return to top

• Appropriate Use Policies: You are bound by the Clark College Student Computing Resources Policy and the Student Computer Use Guidelines.
• Viruses: Being connected to any network may involve security risks including viruses. We recommend using anti-virus software.
• Time Limit: There is a 4 hour time limit on your wireless networking session. After 4 hours, you will return back to the network authentication logon page. In addition, your computer will be logged off the network after 15 minutes of inactivity.
• Use at your own risk: Remember the security on the wireless network is open so anyone can connect. Protect your data by securing your connection.

return to top

In the event that you are unable to access the wireless network, please go to the Wireless Support Station in the Computer Lab 2nd Floor Cannell Library, and a Lab Assistant will assist you with connecting to the network. Note: Lab Assistants are available to assist you in connecting to the wireless network, however they are not responsible for configuring or installing your network adapter. Contact your computer vendor for further installation and configuration support.

What if I can still not login?
You may be typing your student username and/or password incorrectly. Be certain that you are typing the information correctly.

If you are unable to access the system using what you believe is correct iusername and password, please see any Lab Assistant in LIB 203, SHL 135, or BHL 105 to help you identify your student username and password.

Wireless specific troubleshooting and support is only available in the Library Lab, 2nd Floor Cannell Library. Support for the Wireless Network is provided during normal business hours in the Library Lab. The lab hours are available here.

return to top

PROTECT YOURSELF! Keep your laptop device safe by backing up your data files, set up a personal firewall, turn off printer & shared drives, and use anti-virus software.

Current web browsers include application-layer security such as Secure Shell (SSH) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) that protect your web transactions. Download the latest version of your web browser that has 128-bit encryption strength for using Clark College Student Online Services.

For additional information on security, connectivity & support, visit the Computer Lab 2nd Floor of the Cannell Library.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS?
Send an email to: labman@clark.edu

return to top