Index

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

• What is wireless networking?

Wireless networking or WLAN (wireless local area network) uses radio frequency to send and receive data between computers and as well the internet without the user of wires. This is commonly refered to as a Wi-Fi network which is different from a cellular wireless network connection.

• What are the benefits and limitations of using wireless?

The most common benefits include convenience and mobility, having the ability to move to different locations without network cables. The most common limitations include limited distances, potential interference, and eventually you'll need to plug in your wireless computer to an electric outlet to recharge the battery.

• Where is wireless available?

Wireless network coverage is available throughout the University Hospital, Ambulatory Surgery Center, and Ambulatory Care Pavillion. Wireless is also available in some locations in the HSC, BST, Tech Park, and South Campus. For a complete and updated list of locations, please visit http://wireless.uhmc.sunysb.edu/.

Elevators and Wireless: Currently, there is no wireless coverage inside the elevators. Please save all your work before entering an elevator with your wireless computer.

WIRELESS NETWORKS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Are there different wireless networks available? What are the account requirements if any?

There are three (3) wireless networks that are available in the SBUMC environment: UHSB-Wireless, hscnet, and sbuh. The following table illustrates the account requirements and basic differences between them:


Wireless Network:	Who Should Be Using This Network?	Account Required?	Differences:
UHSB-Wireless	SBUMC faculty/staff HSC students	UHMC HSLIB	secure; access to clinical (UHMC users only) & academic resources; internet access
hscnet	HSC students	HSLIB	not secure; access to academic resources; internet access
sbuh	patients, guests, vendors, general public	(no account needed)	not secure; internet access; limited speed; no tech support

• What are the system requirements to get on the wireless network?

UHSB-Wireless: You will need a Windows / Macintosh notebook or Pocket PC with a Wi-Fi compliant wireless card. The following table may be used as a guide although SBUMC makes no guarantees of compatibility due to numerous types of computers, hardware components, operating systems, and wireless cards. Please check with your computer manufacturer and wireless card manufacturer for compatibility: ^{(See Note)}


Computer:	Operating System:	Wireless Card ("Wi-Fi" compatible):
PC Notebook (Compaq, Dell, Gateway, HP, IBM, Sony, Toshiba, etc.)	Windows XP/Vista	Most 802.11b/g internal (miniPCI) or external (PC Card) wireless cards (See Note)
PC Notebook (Compaq, Dell, Gateway, HP, IBM, Sony, Toshiba, etc.)	Windows Me/2000	Most 802.11b/g external (PC Card) (See Note) wireless cards
Apple Macintosh Notebook (PowerPC- or Intel-based)	OS X 10.3 or higher	AirPort / AirPort Extreme (internal), Cisco Aironet PC Card (external) (See Note)
Windows Pocket PC (Dell Axim, HP iPAQ)	Pocket PC 2002/2003	Built-in 802.11b wireless adapter, add-on wireless card (i.e. CF, SDIO) (See Note)

NOTE: If your laptop or Pocket PC did not come with a built-in 802.11b/g wireless card or if you haven't used an add-on wireless card on it yet, please be advised that it is your responsibility to ensure that any wireless card you intend to purchase is compatible with your laptop or Pocket PC. SBUMC provides this table purely as a guide and does not make any guarantees on hardware/software compatibility with your device. Check with your computer manufacturer and wireless card manufacturer for compatibility.

hscnet or sbuh: You can use the same matrix above including the newer Windows Mobile SmartPhones and PDAs. In addition, Treo SmartPhones running either Windows Mobile or PalmOS will also work as long as they have the Palm Wi-Fi Card.

• Is the wireless network secure?

UHSB-Wireless is secure. All network activity while connected to UHSB-Wireless is encrypted (secure).
hscnet is not secure, but it uses a secure login portal to protect your username & password information.
sbuh is not secure.

It is highly recommended that you make sure you are on an SSL-encrypted webpage on your web browser when sending/receiving confidential or sensitive information (ie. credit card number, personal information, etc.). Also, when using e-mail programs (ie. Outlook) or network applications (ie. telnet, ftp), try using a secure incoming/outgoing port for e-mail as well as a secure network application (ie. ssh, sftp/scp). It's worth the effort to protect your information!

SETUP:

• What should I do to get my computer ready for connecting to wireless?

If your computer came with pre-installed applications for antivirus, anti-spyware, and a firewall, please make sure that you use these to protect and scan your computer. Keep them regularly updated -- most applications have an "update" sub-menu item. Also, make sure that your computer operating system (Windows, MacOSX, etc.) is updated with the latest patches from the manufacturer.

If your computer did not come with antivirus, anti-spyware, and/or a firewall, or if your subscription has expired, please visit the Wireless Networking Information Useful Links page for a list of popular applications (antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall), websites for Windows update, Apple software updates, etc.

• Where do I find directions on setting up my computer on the wireless network?

UHSB-Wireless: http://wireless.uhmc.sunysb.edu
hscnet: http://www.arcan.stonybrook.edu/hscnethelp/
sbuh: http://www.stonybrookmedicalcenter.org/wifi/

• If I configure my computer for Stony Brook's wireless network, can I still use my home wireless network?

Yes, your wireless computer will work at home as well as at SBUMC. Your computer can work with multiple wireless networks. Your computer simply needs to be configured with the wireless network settings for your home if you haven't done so already. Depending on your operating system or wireless card utility, your computer may automatically find your home wireless network and connect to it without any intervention.

TROUBLESHOOTING:

• Why am I not getting a wireless signal even though I see a "wireless unit" nearby?

Not all devices mounted up on walls or in ceilings are wireless base stations (aka wireless access points) that service wireless computer. These devices may look like wireless access points, but they may be for monitoring, communications, telemetry, etc. Please visit http://wireless.uhmc.sunysb.edu/ for locations of wireless network availability.

• Will spyware and other applications interfere with my wireless access?

Yes, spyware and most malware will affect your wireless network access. Effects range from slow connections to a loss of connection to the wireless network, and they may even create network problems for other users. It is highly recommended that you install and periodically run and update an anti-spyware application to scan your computer. Visit the Wireless Networking Information Useful Links page for popular anti-spyware products.

• My computer reports a poor signal. Is this a problem?

A poor wireless network signal is probably due to being far from a wireless access point or having obstructions (walls, doors, tall metal cabinets or carts, stacked cardboard boxes, or even a lot of people) in between your computer and a wireless access point. If you have the option to move, you may find an area that provides better wireless coverage. However, if you are getting disconnected from the wireless network, please contact the Help Desk so that this problem may be addressed promptly.

• I have used wireless in an area and now I do not get signal there... what should I do?

If you are in a wireless-covered area yet you are not getting a wireless signal, please contact the Help Desk. However, if you are in an area not on the wireless-covered locations, then you were probably just receiving some bleed-through wireless signal. In this case, you should move to a wireless-covered area to get better reception.

• I was connected to the wireless network, but when I moved to a nearby area where there should be wireless coverage, my computer lost its connection... why?

If you are running Windows XP with Service Pack 2 and are connected to "UHSB-Wireless," you may not have the required PEAP hotfix. Please visit http://wireless.uhmc.sunysb.edu/XPSP2-PEAPfix.htm to download and install this required hotfix. If you do have the hotfix already installed and are not getting a wireless connection, please call the Help Desk.

• Even when I'm sitting in the same area I sometimes get very slow connection speeds and even get disconnected from the wireless network... why?

Degraded wireless network performance or even getting disconnected may be due to spyware or interference. See the spyware section above or the interference section below for more details.

MORE TROUBLESHOOTING -- INTERFERENCE:

• Can I use Bluetooth devices?

SBUMC wireless networks (UHSB-Wireless, hscnet, and sbuh) operate in the 2.4GHz frequency range. Bluetooth operates in the 2.4GHz frequency range as well, thus causing interference. It is highly recommended NOT to use Bluetooth in areas where there is wireless network coverage.

• Can I setup my own wireless access point (or wireless router) in my area?

No, you may not setup your own wireless device in your area as this may cause interference with existing wireless equipment installed by SBUMC. You may not install any wireless or wired network router/switch within SBUMC. This is also a violation of SBUMC policies as follows:
http://uhmc-turf2.uhmc.sunysb.edu/policy/im/im0026.htm
http://uhmc-turf2.uhmc.sunysb.edu/policy/im/im0049.html

If you need wireless network coverage in your area, please call the Help Desk to setup a site survey by one of our engineers who can provide advice on how to setup wireless networking in your area.

• My computer sees other available wireless networks that are not approved by SBUMC. Can I connect to these networks?

If you see other wireless networks outside of the official authorized list (UHSB-Wireless, hscnet, and sbuh), please report this to the Help Desk. You should NOT connect to these unauthorized networks as your computer and electronic information may be put at risk.

• What other things can interfere with wireless and what can I do about it?

The following devices are known inteferers:


1.) 2.4GHz cordless phones and 2.4GHz DECT-like headsets
2.) Bluetooth devices (2.4GHz): BT headsets for cell phones, BT mouse/keyboard, etc.
3.) microwave ovens (2.4GHz) with compromised seals, or industrial-grade microwave ovens
4.) other 2.4GHz devices: cordless mouse/keyboard, wireless routers

Please be aware and avoid using any 2.4GHz devices when connecting to the wireless network as this will not only affect your computer but also other computers in your area. Also, physical obstructions (ie. corrugated carboard boxes, lead-lined walls, tall metal file cabinets & carts, etc.) can affect your connection. If you are in an area that is listed as having wireless coverage but you are getting slow or poor-performing network connection speeds, you should move around to see if the connection gets better -- if it does, then there may be interference or obstruction in your previous area.

Alternatives to interfering devices: If you need to use wireless/cordless devices, please make sure the specifications clearly indicate that they operate in a different frequency range (ie. 900MHz, 1.9GHz, 5.8GHz) other than 2.4GHz. Click here for approved alternative equipment.

Note: You may not use a 5.8GHz wireless router in your area to setup your own wireless network. See the SBUMC policies below:
http://uhmc-turf2.uhmc.sunysb.edu/policy/im/im0026.htm
http://uhmc-turf2.uhmc.sunysb.edu/policy/im/im0049.html

MORE TROUBLESHOOTING -- ROLLING CARTS AND TABLET PCs:

• I logged on the rolling cart with the username "uhis" or "rad" and cannot connect to the network... why?

The generic UHMC accounts "uhis" and "rad" do not have wireless network privileges, thus they will not allow you to connect to the wireless network eventhough you may be able to login to the local computer. You will need to login to the computer using your own UHMC username & password. All individual UHMC accounts have wireless network privileges.

• Why does the rolling cart work on wireless in some rooms but not in others?

It is possible that the wireless signal in a specific room may be weak but usable by some laptops. Rolling carts and a few laptops with internal wireless cards, however, have a slight disadvantage in that they do not have the best reception because of the physical design of the unit itself, thus a weak signal in a room may be too weak for the rolling cart to use the wireless network. If you find any room where a rolling cart would lose its wireless signal, please contact the Help Desk and report the exact location including building, floor, and room number.