The 802.11 standard defines two modes: infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode. In infrastructure mode, the wireless network consists of at least one access point connected to the wired network infrastructure and a set of wireless end stations. This configuration is called a Basic Service Set (BSS). An Extended Service Set (ESS) is a set of two or more BSSs forming a single subnetwork. Since most corporate WLANs require access to the wired LAN for services (file servers, printers, Internet links) they will operate in infrastructure mode.

Ad hoc mode (also called peer-to-peer mode or an Independent Basic Service Set, or IBSS) is simply a set of 802.11 wireless stations that communicate directly with one another without using an access point or any connection to a wired network. This mode is useful for quickly and easily setting up a wireless network anywhere that a wireless infrastructure does not exist or is not required for services, such as a hotel room, convention center, or airport, or where access to the wired network is barred (such as for consultants at a client site).

No. Individuals and departments should not independently deploy wireless networking products. See the Northwestern University Policy on Wireless Networks for more information.

Please refer to the Northwestern University Policy on Wireless Networks. To begin the process of implementing a wireless network for your school or department, contact NUIT Support Services at 847-467-5560 or it-services@northwestern.edu.

The Extended Service Set ID (ESSID) is the name of the network you want to access. It is used to identify different wireless networks.

A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a network that allows access to the NU Network and the Internet without the need for any wired connections to the user's machine.

You can use wireless for e-mail, Web browsing, Meeting Maker access, and printing to local network printers. You should not use wireless for streaming audio/video, very large downloads or viewing extremely graphic-intensive Web sites.

Even though wireless networks look attractive for use everywhere, wired networks still give the best performance and speed. In general, a wireless connection works just like a wired Ethernet connection. Wireless access may be up to 54 megabits per second. This bandwidth, however, 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.

To connect to the 802.1X-compatible Northwestern wireless network, you will need:

• A computer (or wireless device) equipped with an external or internal wireless card that is 802.1X-compliant, and an operating system that is both 802.1X and WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) compliant. See Wireless Access Requirements for specific information.

To connect to the nuwlan wireless network, you will need:

• A computer (or wireless device) equipped with an external or internal 802.11b compliant wireless card. See Wireless Access Requirements for specific information.
• A Virtual Private Networking (VPN) client for authentication.

No. You must be an authenticated user with a NetID to connect to the wireless network.

Authentication for using the wireless network is necessary for much the same reasons as it is when you access your e-mail. You need a user name and a password to connect.

Yes. To connect to the 802.1X-compliant Northwestern campus wireless network, you must provide your NetID and password. To access the nuwlan campus wireless network, you must use Virtual Private Networking (VPN).

Virtual Private Networking (VPN) provides secure, encrypted communication between a network and a remote host or other remote network over the Internet. VPN allows the establishment of an encrypted "tunnel" that protects the flow of network traffic from eavesdroppers.

VPN is necessary to connect to the NU Network through an off-campus broadband connection, or to authenticate and connect to the nuwlan wireless network on campus.

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.

To connect to the NU wireless network with a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), you will need:

• A Northwestern NetID and password. The NU wireless network is for Northwestern authenticated users only.
• An 802.11b compatible wireless device.
• A Virtual Private Network (VPN) client for authentication.

Please visit Virtual Private Networking (VPN) for more information.

In general, laptop computer batteries will deplete faster when using wireless networking.

Password changes require a quick re-authentication to the “Northwestern” wireless network. Your computer will prompt you to re-enter your NetID and new password before accessing the network. With a new password entered, the system recognizes you for future access attempts until the password changes again.

The Configuration Wizard requires the Windows XP operating system with Service Pack 2, as well as the Wireless Client Update for Windows XP with SP2 (Hotfix). This update can be obtained from the Microsoft Web site.

Additionally, the "Northwestern" wireless network requires certain computer hardware driver updates, determined by your wireless network interface card. Some computers do not support WPA2, require that you update the drivers for your wireless card, or require an add-on card or adapter. You may need to contact the manufacturer of your computer to determine your computer's wireless compatibility with 802.1X/WPA2, the network standard used for the "Northwestern" wireless network.

If your system meets the minimum requirements and you need assistance, contact the NUIT Support Center at 847-491-HELP (4357).

The Wireless Network Configuration Wizard automatically imports set up information to the Windows XP SP2 wireless client. Specifically, the wizard:

• Creates a new wireless network
• Enters the service set identifier (SSID) of “Northwestern”
• Sets Network Authentication to “WPA2"
• Sets Data Encryption to “AES”
• Configures the client to use PEAP authentication
• Removes the service set identifier (SSID) for NUWLAN

The wizard may reduce the likelihood of manual entry errors, which may prevent you from accessing the “Northwestern” wireless network. If you prefer to configure your client manually, you can still access the former wireless configuration guide.

An error likely occurred due to one of the following factors:

The Configuration Wizard requires the Windows XP operating system with Service Pack 2, as well as the Wireless Client Update for Windows XP with SP2 (Hotfix). This update can be obtained from the Microsoft Web site.

Additionally, the "Northwestern" wireless network requires certain computer hardware driver updates, determined by your wireless network interface card. Some computers do not support WPA2, require that you update the drivers for your wireless card, or require an add-on card or adapter. You may need to contact the manufacturer of your computer to determine your computer's wireless compatibility with 802.1X/WPA2, the network standard used for the "Northwestern" wireless network.

If your system meets the minimum requirements and you need assistance, contact the NUIT Support Center at 847-491-HELP (4357).

An error likely occurred due to one of the following factors:

The Wireless Network Configuration Wizard could not find the Microsoft WPA2 registry setting.

Additionally, the "Northwestern" wireless network requires certain computer hardware driver updates, determined by your wireless network interface card. Some computers do not support WPA2, require that you update the drivers for your wireless card, or require an add-on card or adapter. You may need to contact the manufacturer of your computer to determine your computer's wireless compatibility with 802.1X/WPA2, the network standard used for the "Northwestern" wireless network.

If your system meets the minimum requirements and you need assistance, contact the NUIT Support Center at 847-491-HELP (4357).