Wireless Connection

To connect to the Clark College student wireless network, you are required to enter a wireless code for each device (laptop, tablet, smart phone, e.t.c.) that you wish to connect. Once you have authenticated your device(s) by entering the code below, accessing the internet will require your student computer lab username and password at the wireless log-in page. For assistance visit Student Accounts page. If you need further assistance, visit the TechHub in Cannell Library, call (360) 992-2010 or email techhub@clark.edu

The following is the wireless device access code:

     blue sky

Note: The code is two words, separated by a single space and all lowercase.

Wireless Network Access Q & A

What is the Wireless Network?

The wireless network is a network available to any Clark College student with a notebook computer or mobile device capable of a wireless connection. Wireless access is available in most Clark College facilities.

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.

 

Who can use the Wireless Network?

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 Labs 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?
Clark Labs accounts are created automatically for all currently enrolled students on a daily basis during the work week. 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 Clark Labs account by clicking here .

What will I need to connect?

  • A notebook computer, tablet, or smart phone equipped with a wireless network adapter that conforms to the standards of 802.11g (preferred) or 802.11b.

  • An operating system that can support the above standards including PC’s and Macintosh’s.

  • Students who would like to browse the Internet will also need their student logon information, i.e. username and password that is used to access computers in our campus computer labs.

  • Guests will only need a wireless capable device (however access will be limited to Clark sites).

Technical Requirements

  • A notebook computer, tablet, or smart phone equipped with an internal or external wireless card that is 802.11g (preferred) or 802.11b compliant.

  • Minimum system requirements for Window and Macintosh systems (see below).

  • A 128-bit encryption capable web browser
    Note: If your browser is not 128-bit capable, update your browser by checking the current versions of browsers below.

On a Microsoft Windows computer:

To connect to the wireless network, you will need a computer equipped with an internal or external wireless card that is 802.11g (preferred) or 802.11b compliant. Clark College recommends:

  • Windows 2000/XP Professional (at minimum)
  • Windows Vista/7/8/10
  • 486 (33-MHz) processor
  • 16 MB RAM
  • 39 MB free disk space

On an Apple Macintosh computer:

To connect your AirPort-compatible Macintosh laptop to the wireless network, you will need a computer equipped with an internal or external wireless card that is 802.11g (preferred) or 802.11b compliant. Clark College recommends:

  • An external Type II or Type III PC card slot
  • An Apple AirPort card or a Lucent wireless card
  • MacOS 10.1 or higher
  • At least 32MB RAM

Current versions of web browsers

Equipment Recommendations

A wireless network interface card (NIC). It must support either Wi-Fi or 802.11g (preferred) or 802.11b. Wi-Fi is what the marketing people wanted to call 802.11b, which is an IEEE standard. As for installing the NIC, the included instructions that came with your NIC will help with that. See your computer support vendor for additional support.

If your laptop/portable device is a recent purchase, you may want to have a look at your documentation; going out and buying a new card may be completely unnecessary.

Examples of wireless cards that can be purchased at Best Buy, CompUSA, or other vendors:

  • Dell TrueMobile
  • Cisco 350
  • D-Link 802.11g Xtreme G Wireless Notebook Card (DWL-G650)
  • LinkSys 802.11b Wireless Notebook Card (WPC11)
  • Netgear 802.11b Wireless Notebook Card (MA521)
  • Proxim Orinoco Silver/Gold
  • Apple Airport

Many others are available.

Battery Note: Does a wireless card use a lot of power? Yes. A laptop's batteries will deplete much faster while using wireless.

How do I set up my computer?

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 XP/Vista/7 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.

How do I connect to the Wireless Network?

Once you are connected to the Wireless Network, you will need to open a Web browser. If you attempt to visit sites other than Clark College pages, you will be automatically redirected to the Clark College Network Authentication System where you must log in using your Clark Labs account username and password.

 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 Clark Labs Account

Information on setting up your Clark Labs Account is available at the Student Accounts page.

If I do not have a Clark Labs Account, can I still use the Wireless Network?

Yes. If you are a guest of Clark College, you are entitled to a guest account 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. 

What should I be aware of?

  • 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.

Where do I go for help?

In case you are not able to connect your device to the Clark Wireless Network or need assistance doing that, please visit or contact the TechHub.

If you need help installing a network adapter or a wireless card, please contact your computer vendor for installation and configuration support.

What if I can still not login?

You may be typing your Clark Labs Account 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 username and password, please visit the TechHub and their staff can help identify your student username and password.

How do I secure my connection?

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.

Contact Us

For additional information on security, connectivity & support, visit the TechHub 1st Floor of the Cannell Library.

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