FAQ's for Users
FAQ's for Network Administrators

Please submit additional questions to Communications Resources at crwebmaster@ucdavis.edu.

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Users

1. How can I get connected to the UC Davis Wireless Network while using Windows Firewall (for Windows XP)?
   To obtain a connection to the UC Davis Wireless Network, your computer must support the ICMP Echo (ping) function. The Windows Firewall installed by Windows XP Service Pack 2 may not respond to such incoming ping requests, even if you had previously enabled ping in ICF (Internet Connection Firewall). If you wish to connect to the UC Davis Wireless Network while using Windows Firewall, you must enable ping. Instructions for enabling ping for Windows Firewall are here.
2. Can I access everything on the wireless connection that I can normally access with a wired public connection?
   Yes, you will be able to connect to email and the Internet using your portable computer as you do when using your wired desktop. You will not have access to any departmental servers using the wireless network unless they provide authenticated web access. The wireless network is not intended to replace the wired network.
3. Why does a "bluesocket - Click to Logout" window now appear when I connect to the wireless network?
   This window is a feature of the new device that shows that you have successfully connected to the wireless network, and it allows you to log out of the wireless network. You may know that an IP address is required to connect to the Internet. Logging out releases your IP address to other campus users. If you log out by closing your browser instead of clicking on this window, your IP address takes up to an hour to become available to other users. Logging out makes an IP address immediately available, and this helps the campus manage the limited IP address resource. Read more about the scarcity of IP Addresses in the Departmental IP Address Range Allocation Guidelines.
4. Can campus guests access the UCD wireless network?
   Yes! UC Davis guests can have wireless access through a faculty or staff sponsor. Sponsors can set up a wireless guest accounts for 7 days at a time, and the account can be renewed for up to 30 days total. Learn more about how to set up a guest wireless account here. Bulk guest registration is also availble (for conferences, etc.) -- contact Zack O'Donnell to set up bulk guest accounts. Students may not sponsor guests at this time.
5. Where can I access the UCD wireless network?
   You can see a list of wireless network coverage areas and view coverage maps here. To view/download a campus wireless network coverage map (PDF), click here.
6. More locations are added frequently. For the latest list, check out the coverage area maps that are available.
7. What wireless network cards are recommended and/or supported?
   For PCs and Macs, we recommend use of a network card that is 802.11b WIFI compliant.
8. How many people can be on the wireless network at once?
   The wireless network can handle hundreds of users logged in at any one time, but the more active users, the slower the network becomes. On average, one access point can handle 30 users without a noticeable degradation in performance. Each wireless location on campus has more than one access point.
9. I heard I should be getting 11 Mbps speeds; my speeds are slower than this. Is my card defective?
   Eleven (11) Mbps is the theoretical maximum speed that equates to two way transmissions (5.5Mbps upload and 5.5Mbps download). On a real network with many users, those speeds are unlikely. Your wireless card within your computer automatically adjusts its speed to the access point based on many factors including, signal strength, number of users sharing bandwidth on the same access point, and interference. The steps typically are 11Mbps, 5Mbps, 2Mbps, 1Mbps.
10. Why is my wireless connection disrupted more frequently than my wired connection?
    Wireless access points operate within the 2.4GHz frequency range and are prone to interference from microwave ovens, other unknown access points in the area, some cordless phones and many other environmental factors that may be passing between you and the access point at any given time. Though the wireless protocol was designed to be robust, it is still radio frequency and it can be interrupted by various pieces of equipment and/or structures.
11. Is there a charge to establish a wireless connection?
    There is no service charge to connect to the wireless network, but you do need to purchase a wireless Ethernet card that complies with the WiFi 802.11b standard and register it with the campus network.

Network Administrators

1. What factors would interfere or cause performance problems with wireless network service?
   Because of the careful planning that takes place during the site survey process, the most significant problem that users can expect to face will involve problems with accessing multimedia files, the number of users connected to the wireless network through a single wireless access point, and similar problems. On rare occasions, interference problems from electronic equipment may occur, but these instances should be rare. Users should note that performance problems introduced when the number of users increases over time may require the installation of additional wireless access points. Practices such as downloading music and multimedia files or running bandwidth-intensive network applications over wireless networks are discouraged because of the overall impact that these activities will have for all users of the wireless network.
2. How can I get assistance with wireless network performance problems?
   CR will work with departments to analyze performance of unit-based wireless network installations and to make suggestions for improving service when performance problems are verified. These suggestions may include increasing the number of wireless access points and reducing high-bandwidth application usage. Departments should contact the Network Service Center at 752-4603 or cr-service@ucdavis.edu for assistance.
3. Will CR monitor wireless network traffic and utilization?
   CR will evaluate wireless network performance in public areas when concerns about network performance are reported by users and will evaluate network performance for unit-based installations at the request of the department.
4. Why would I need more than one wireless access point for a specific coverage area?
   More than one wireless access point may be needed to provide service in a specific coverage area. This is determined based upon the physical layout of the area, the presence or absence of sources of radio interference, and the number of users who are expected to use the service within the coverage area. Departments may wish to have a second wireless access point installed in a coverage area in order to ensure that wireless service remains available in the event of equipment failure.
5. How do I request wireless network service for my department, a classroom, or a public area?
   Departments can complete the online Campus Wireless Network Registration Form. The Office of the Registrar will arrange for service installations in centrally managed classrooms. The University will determine the optimum locations for public wireless access locations and install service as available funding permits. Departments wishing to arrange for wireless service in department-controlled classroom space or public areas should complete the online form.
6. What happens if my department's wireless access point is lost, stolen, or damaged?
   Departments are responsible for the physical security of all wireless network access points, wireless ports, and cables and will bear responsibility for payment of charges to replace lost, stolen, or damaged equipment. Malfunctioning equipment, if determined to be malfunctioning due to normal wear and tear, will be repaired or replaced at no cost to the department. Departments are strongly advised to report malfunctioning or damaged equipment to the Network Help Desk at 752-7656 immediately upon becoming aware of these problems.
7. Where can I buy wireless network cards? Does CR sell these?
   CR does not sell end user wireless network cards. Departments can purchase these from any standard University source of supply or retailer.
8. Can I reduce installation costs by having CR connect the wireless access point to an existing port?
   Departments can designate existing network ports for conversion to wireless ports in order to reduce installation costs. It is important to note, however, that once a port has been converted to a wireless port, that port can no longer be used for any other purpose. Connecting an end-user device to a wireless port will result in severe damage to that equipment. In order for CR to convert a port for this purpose, the existing port must be in the same location as the planned wireless access port.
9. Will CR provide support for end users and departments?
   CR will provide full support to departments for wireless network service that it has installed and maintains. End user support for connecting to CR-installed wireless network service is provided by the Network Help Desk at 752-7656.
10. How long does it take to install service?
    Departments should plan for wireless network service installation as they do for standard wired network service and telephone service installation. Each installation requires completion of a wireless network registration, consultation with the department, and final determination of the number and placement of wireless network access points within the coverage area determined by the department.
11. How do I set up my wireless card for DHCP?
    Even though you do not have to register your computer's hardware (MAC) address to access the wireless network, you still need to have your computer configured for DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). Here are nstructions on how to register Macs and PCs.