Wireless Access Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)
Where can I use my wireless network?
Best effort has been made by College of the Desert to make wireless accessible almost anywhere on campus including the C.O.D. Library. At present, wireless is not available in the parking lots.
Is there a cost for the wireless connection?
No cost. Funding is provided by the College of the Desert.
How do I connect?
When you turn on your WiFi device, your device will detect the COD Guest wireless network. Follow the appropriate prompts and get connected.
How do I login?
When your browser attempts to connect to the Internet, you will be redirected to the login page. You will be directed to the Acceptable Use Procedure and once you accept the terms, you will be able to connect.
How do I print?
Save the data to an external storage device and print it at any of the student labs – Cyber café, Library lab, etc.
What do I need to get on the wireless network?
Most new laptops and mobile devices have integrated wireless accessories. Older systems may require a wireless card. Please check with your retail purchase site.
Is there specialized software that I need to put on my device to use the wireless network?
No specialized software is needed to connect.
How do I secure my device?
Users are expected to protect their computers with their own anti-virus and firewall software. This will protect the user’s computer from data loss, and prevent hackers from accessing their computer.
How can I get help with wireless?
At this time, there is no hardware, software or network support. Please contact the Cyber Café in the Hilb Center during the Café’s open hours for basic connection support. Always check their schedule each semester.
How do I use FTP or telnet?
You must first connect using your Web browser as if you were going to the internet after accepting the Acceptable Use Procedure. Once you've connected, you can use telnet or FTP. There is no way to authenticate yourself to the wireless network unless you first use a Web browser to connect.
What are the minimum specs?
You need a laptop or mobile device with a network card and an Internet browser are mandatory. Minimum specifications for the network cards are 802.11B or 802.11G. Examples of Internet browsers are Internet Explorer (IE), Firefox, Mozilla Safari, etc.
If you are planning to use email, please get an email account from an Internet Service Provider.
What do I need to use an email?
If you are planning to use email, please get an email account from an Internet Service Provider.
What College resources are available on the wireless?
Wireless service on campus provides the same level of access to college resources (Web Advisor, IE, Web Enhanced classroom, etc.) as if you were at home using an Internet browser. A direct connection to the College network is not available.
Can I buy an external Network Interface Card (NIC) on campus?
Not at this time. Most chain electronics retailers have them in stock.
Will any email program work on the wireless?
Only web based email programs will work such as Yahoo mail, Google Gmail, Hotmail and Outlook Web Access email.
Does a wireless connection use a lot of power on my laptop?
YES! A laptop's batteries will deplete much faster, since the battery must power the wireless card while connected.
Can I install a wireless network or access point in a classroom or office?
No. Personal wireless access points/routers are not allowed anywhere on the COD Network. Personal wireless access points interfere with the operation of the network and are in direct violation of COD's wireless acceptable use procedure. Individuals installing or using personal wireless access points are subject to losing part or all of their network and wireless privileges. Click here to view the Acceptable Use Guidelines for DCCD/COD Wireless Network and Technology Acceptable Use Guidelines.
What operating systems are supported?
The following operating systems have been tested and supported on our network:
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Mac OS 10.3 and higher
What are the benefits of wireless?
Wireless networks provide freedom of access for mobile users who need to connect to the Internet or other network resources from various locations across campus. Any device that has WiFi such as laptops, PDAs, and phones, can access wireless.
What is a wireless “access point”?
An access point is a radio transmitter and receiver connected to our network which allows someone to connect to our network using its signals.
How does a wireless network work? Are there distance limitations?
A wireless local area network (LAN) uses radio waves that are transmitted from installed access points (AP) that are installed in strategic locations around campus. As you move away from an AP, the radio wave is handed off to another in-range access point, if available. The further you move away from an AP, communication continues at reduced rates until the user is completely out of the coverage range and is disconnected. In open areas the coverage is 300 to 500 ft.
What can interfere with my wireless signal?
Wireless signal problems may result from other devices using the same radio frequency as the wireless network. COD's wireless network uses both 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands for G and A radio signals. Other "wireless" devices exist in the marketplace that also use the 2.4 GHz frequency band and can cause interference to users of the wireless LAN service. These devices include, but are not limited to, other 802.11 wireless LAN devices, cordless telephones, cameras, audio speakers, wireless printers, microwaves and microwave ovens.
