Frequently Asked Questions
End-user Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I use Stanford's Wireless network?
- I've already registered my laptop for use in my dorm. Can I use it with my wireless card?
- How do I register my wireless card on the network?
- How do I configure my card for use with my MAC/PC?
- What network speeds can I get with wireless?
- Everything looks fine in my network control panel, but I can't get an IP address. Why?
- I can see a wireless network in my building, but I can't get access to it. Why?
- Is my wireless connection secure?
- Does the Stanford Wireless Network use WEP?
- Where can I roam on campus?
- Sometimes when I move from one building to another, I lose my IP address. Why?
How do I use Stanford's Wireless network?
You'll need the following:
- An 802.11b or 802.11g wireless-capable laptop (most newer laptops qualify), or a wireless card (available from the Bookstore) We don't recommend desktops.
- A registration entry in Stanford's network database, NetDB. (See "How do I register my wireless card or laptop on the network?" below)
Install the wireless card following the manufacturer's instructions included with the card. See our Macintosh or Windows network configuration documents for information about connecting to the Stanford network.
I've already registered my laptop for use in my dorm. Can I use it with my wireless card?
Not until you've registered the wireless card. Each network device has it's own unique MAC address (Media Access Control) which must be registered with NetDB to use it on SUNet.
How do I register my wireless card on the network?
All network devices need to be registered in the Stanford network database (NetDB) before they are allowed to connect to SUNet. Even if you have already registered your laptop's wired Ethernet connection, you must register your wireless connection separately. You will need to provide the MAC address of the wireless card (printed on a sticker on the bottom of the card, or the bottom of your laptop if you have built-in wireless), and the Host name of your Mac or PC.
If you are:
- Faculty/Staff: contact your Local Network Administrator (LNA)
- Residential Students: register on-line at the Residential Computing Web Site
If you live off-campus or cannot locate your LNA, call the Stanford IT Help Desk at (650)725-4357 (5-HELP).
How do I configure my card for use with my MAC/PC?
Follow the manufacturer's instructions included with the card. See our Macintosh or Windows network configuration documents for information about connecting to the Stanford network.
What network speeds can I get with wireless?
You will typically see around 4 Mbps for 802.11b and 12 Mbps for 802.11g. For most applications this will be adequate.
Everything looks fine in my network control panel, but I can't get an IP address. Why?
- Make sure you card is registered in NetDB (see previous question). You need to wait 15-30 minutes before the registration takes effect after it has been entered into NetDB.
- Make sure your card's SSID is set to Stanford (case sensitive; use initial capital S)
- See our Macintosh or Windows network configuration documents for information about connecting to the Stanford network.
I can see a wireless network in my building, but I can't get access to it. Why?
- Some Schools run their own wireless networks as a private LAN (Local Area Network) and may restrict access for "unknown" devices. Contact the School's LNA.
- Make sure your card's SSID is set to Stanford (case sensitive; use initial capital S)
Is my wireless connection secure?
Stanford does not currently encrypt data on the wireless network. Please keep this in mind when you transmit data.
Does the Stanford Wireless Network use WEP?
Not at this time. Exploits are well known.
Where can I roam on campus?
See the Wireless Map
Sometimes when I move from one building to another, I lose my IP address. Why?
Your laptop's network address is controlled by the device (Wireless Access Point) that issued the address. When you move around you lose connection with that device making the address unusable. The device in the area you have moved to needs to issue your laptop another address. Try releasing and renewing your DHCP lease.
