Support & Services

Wireless Support: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wireless network?

  • Wireless network provides internet access to notebook computers or wireless enabled devices without connecting cables. Instead, it uses radio communication between the notebook computer and Lehman College Access Points.
    There are several versions of wireless standards are in use today. Lehman's wireless network is based upon the IEEE 802.11b/g/a/n standards, therefore only devices that use these standards will be enabled to access the Lehman wireless network.

What is IEEE and what does it have to do with wireless?

IEEE stands for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. It is a developer of industry standards in a broad-range of global industries. 802.11 is a set of standards for wireless local area network (WLAN) computer communication, developed by IEEE committees in the 5 Gigahertz (GHz) and 2.4 GHz public spectrum bands.

Why are we providing wireless connectivity?

The key advantage of wireless network is flexibility. Your notebook computer does not have to be connected to a network jack. In some locations such as classrooms, conference rooms, and other venues, access to the network using wireless can be provided with more flexibility than with wired networks. However, there are also some disadvantages which make this service complementary to our wired networks. Our wired networks will continue to provide higher performance and better security.

What is the difference between 802.11n and 802.11 a/b/g?

The difference is the amount of throughput. 802.11n represents an approximate 4x leap in wireless network throughput performance as compared to an 802.11a/g network. This improves the user experience and also enables new applications to use the wireless network and/or high user densities, such as in large auditoriums and lecture halls. In order to take advantage of an 802.11n at Lehman, the wireless card in your device must include 802.11n in the 5 GHz band. Some devices have 802.11n capabilities only in the 2.4 GHz band. If that is the case your device will simply connect at an 802.11 a/b/g level.

How fast is it?

The IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n standard has a nominal speed of up to 144 Mega bits per second (Mbps). However, depending upon signal quality and how many other people are using the wireless network through a particular wireless access point, usable speed will be much less. To put that into perspective, wired network on the Lehman College campus is mostly a full 100 Mbps or 1Gbps (Gigabits per second).

Aren’t wireless networks inherently insecure?

Yes, wireless networks are inherently insecure. The radio signals used to transmit data can be potentially intercepted by anyone within the coverage area.

Wireless network at the Lehman College campus is secured. Access to the Lehman's wireless networks will require all authorized users in all areas to authenticate to the wireless network using their assigned Lehman's LDAP account username and password.

Is my computer protected from malicious software while using the campus wireless network?
It does not prevent malicious software such as viruses and spyware from attacking your Notebook. It is strongly recommended that you maintain anti-virus software on your Notebook computer.

Is it Safe?

All devices on the market are approved by the FCC. Click here to read FCC documentation on RF safety. http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/

Where is wireless connectivity available on the Lehman campus?

How do I configure my laptop?

What Hardware and OS platforms does ITR support and recommend?

The following Wi-Fi compatible adapters of Type 802.11b/g/a/n have been tested and are supported on the campus wireless network:

  • Cisco Aironet Wireless cards, Apple Airport, Dell True Mobile
  • Operating Systems: Windows 7, Vista, XP, Apple OS X 10.2 and above, Apple iPhone, Apple iPOD touch.
  • Web browsers: Internet Explorer 8, Firefox 3x, Safari

We will add to this list after we test other products and operating systems.

Will the Wireless card conflict with my Ethernet card/modem?

Both devices should function properly if you use one at a time. If you encounter problems, first make sure you have installed both cards according to the installation instructions that came with the modem/Ethernet card and the wireless card, then contact the manufacturers for support.

It's not working, is there more support available?

Please contact the ITR Help Desk at Carman Hall room 108 or call (718) 960-1111

How can I tell if I am connected to the wireless network or how strong a wireless signal I have?

  • Apple Mac:
    The wireless icon on the left upper corner of your screen will show the strength of the connection. If the icon is gray, then you are out of range.

  • Windows PCs:
    Depending upon the type of the Operating system, there is a wireless icon showing the signal strength on the lower left corner of the system tray.

What happens if I move around?

Your wireless card will always try to connect to the stronger signal. As soon as another Access Point within the wireless coverage area has a stronger signal, your connection will switch, but continue uninterrupted service (within the wireless coverage area).

What happens if I leave and then re-enter the coverage area?

Your wireless connection will drop until you re-enter a coverage area. Once you re-enter a coverage area your wireless card will pick the signal automatically, giving you wireless connection again.

What is the Lehman College policy on personal wireless networking on campus?

Use of the Lehman College wireless network must comply with CUNY policies and security regulations, as well as federal, state, and local laws. Use of the Lehman wireless network must be for University business purposes only and must follow applicable CUNY policies, as well as the CUNY’s personal data handling requirements and any restrictions stated therein. For details on the CUNY security policies and guidelines please visit http://security.cuny.edu/

Users are not permitted to set up their own wireless networks on the Lehman College campus. A wireless network has significant impact on network security and operations. Only wireless access points or networks installed and operated by the Information Technology Resources division are permitted.

Last modified: Oct 13, 2011

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