Computer Services Department

Campus-Wide Wireless Networking

Davis College has a campus wide wireless network that connects the dorms and classrooms to the Internet and to networked printers. Internet access is through a proxy server that also logs and filters web sites. It requires that everyone log in to get web access. Please see the Access Form Page for more details.

The following areas have Linksys wireless access points:

• Chatlos-Davis Building, All Floors.
• Patterson Hall, All Floors.
• Library, Both Floors.
• Computer Lab
• Clements Hall, Limited access with improvements in progress.

The Cafe has its own wireless connection that is open to the public during regular business hours.

Computer signals inside campus buildings work best when doors to dorm rooms are open. This is because the high quality fire-rating of the building interferes with the signals.

Troubleshooting: Wi-Fi uses the same basic radio technology as 2.4-GHz cordless phones. Such phones, and especially their base stations, can cause interference with our wireless network. Normally symptoms will be sudden loss of wireless connectivity when the phone is in use, or drastically reduced speeds. If any of these things occur then you can try changing the channel on your phone. If your phone is unable to change channels, then you can do one of the following:

Hang up the phone and pick it up again. This will usually force the phone to use a different channel. If you really need a cordless phone, the 900Mhz may cause less interference.

Microwave ovens are another major source of Wi-Fi interference. These devices throw out enough radio waves in the Wi-Fi range to make communications unreliable within a few feet of a microwave. But interference occurs only when the microwave is in use, and it usually extends no farther than 10 feet from the oven.

For other problems, please contact the Student Help Desk.

We recommend that an incoming student purchase a good laptop with wireless built in, so a card is not needed. The added bonus is that an internal card works much better, both in connecting, and signal strength.

If you intend to use a desktop system, the recommended adaptor is the Linksys USB wireless G unit. It is an external adaptor and uses a regular USB cable to connect. The advantage to this is that you can purchase a longer cable and set the adaptor out in the hall for a much-improved signal no matter where in the room the computer sits.

There are several adaptors that work we4ll with our system (make sure they are "G" band):

1. Linksys
2. Netgear
3. Trendware
4. Dell branded
5. Most built-in adaptors work well
6. PDA or Pocket PC with built-in may work fine, but are not supported by our staff.

The D-Link brand does not work very well on our system. Please do not purchase one of those to use; select from the other list for maximum results.

Requirements to connect:

1. Up to date antivirus software. The best solution is to download AVG Antivirus from free.grisoft.com and install it on your computer. It is free and works better than most other services.

2. Up-to-date security patches. Windows and other software makers release security and problem fixes on a regular basis. Please make sure your computer has all the latest patches.

3. No P2P software installed. Kazza, Limewire, Winmx and others are not allowed on our network. They use too much of our bandwidth and open the College up to legal issues. Please remove and do not install them while you are here.

4. Check for Spyware and Adware. These programs cause more problems than viruses anymore. If your computer is running slower and slower, then it needs to be scanned. We use Adware SE and Spybot Search and Destroy to remove the worse of them. The Computer Services department has them on CD for you to use.

5. Install the Mozilla Firefox web browser. This is much more secure than Internet Explorer and fights adware and spyware far better then IE. The building pop-up blocker is much more robust too.

6. Install Mozilla Thunderbird email client. Much more secure than Outlook Express. Still free too! Spam filtering and more on this one.

7. If your computer is in need of a repair, students are encouraged to check with Computer Services about ways we can help. We may be able to service your repair, or refer you to a local repair service that is very economical.

If you have questions or are interested in applying to work on the Student Help Desk, contact Rob Linebaugh, Director of Computer Services, 607.729.1581 x 404.