STUDENT HELPDESK
718-260-4900
Helpdesk@campus.citytech.cuny.edu

Benefits include keeping up with the latest technology, allows students mobility and do their work from anywhere in between classes, free interconnectivity, a consistent login procedure.
Don’t have to go to a compute lab to do their work. Students will be able to access the Internet and school resources from anywhere on campus, such as classrooms, libraries, cafeteria, and hallway. Students are able to readily check email, surf the Web, access specialized school applications, check grades, and view transcripts. As a result, students make better use of their time.

New York City College of Technology now provides wireless network access to all currently enrolled students. Currently, students can login to CityTech’s wireless network using their student email login name and date of birth as the password. All wireless network users should adhere to CUNY Computer Users Responsibilities policy as well as the NYC College of Technology Wireless policy. In order to connect to the wireless network, a properly configured wireless 802.11b/g network adapter supporting 128-bit WEP encryption is needed. Students interested in using the wireless network should contact the Student Helpdesk for advice before purchasing any hardware or software. Students experiencing difficulty using the wireless network should contact the Student Helpdesk at (718) 260-4900 for assistance. CityTech students who are interested in using the wireless network or are having difficulty connecting to the wireless network, should contact the Student Computing Helpdesk. Please contact the Student Computing Helpdesk for advice before purchasing any hardware or software.

What are the steps involved in order to access wireless network?
1. Obtain a Laptop or Wireless Device
2. Register for wireless services
3. Configure your Wireless Network Card
4. Enjoy Wireless Access @ CityTech

What are the requirements for wireless access?
1. Currently registered students are authorized to use the campus wireless network.
2. Wireless laptop, handheld computer, etc.
3. Configure the wireless card for wireless access.

Do you need to use specific wireless network cards?
No, however the Wireless cards must be 802.11B or 802.11G Standard.

GETTING STARTED

What is a Wireless Network?
Wireless Network is a network in which data is transmitted over the airwaves to the user’s computer thereby increasing mobility.

How does a Wireless Network work?
The wireless network operates through radio waves, similar to those used by wireless phones. Access points throughout the campus send out radio waves, which are picked up by sensors inside the network cards. So as long as a computer is within range of the access point, it can get on the network.Wireless Network uses high- frequency radio waves rather than wires to communicate between nodes. Security on these networks is often done using WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) [ WEP is an encryption system that encrypts data on wireless networks that can only be read by authorized users with the correct decryption key].

What are the steps involved in order to use Wireless Network?
You need a configured, working wireless card in your laptop.

What are the Benefits to Using a Wireless LAN?
You can connect to the Internet without any cables and use services available online (for example; eSIMS, and email).

Q - What kinds of wireless devices can access a wireless network?
A - Any WiFi enabled device (laptop, PDA, etc).

Q - What hardware is needed to connect to the wireless network?
A - Laptops will need an 802.11b/g wireless card installed.

Q - What are the requirements for wireless access?
A - A user account given by the college to all registered students and a wireless enabled device.

Q - What Operating System platforms are supported by Wireless Network?
A - Wireless access is independent of OS platform; it simply requires a configured wireless adapter or card.

Q - Do you need to use specific wireless network cards, what about particular standard?
A - Any brand of wireless card should work and any 802.11b/g compliant card should work on campus.

Q - Will I have access to print to a network printer that’s available on a wireless network?
A - No, but currently we are looking into future availability.

Q - I have a question that is not on this FAQ. Who should I contact?
A - Contact Student Helpdesk 718-260-4900, room N124 (Information Service Center).

Q - What is the life span of a student account?
A - As long as a student is registered they will be given an account.

Q - What is a Wireless access point?
A - An access point is a single wireless Ethernet device serving a small area (generally no more than 300 feet in radius most cases). The access point, the "starting point" for the service, functions as a bridge between the radio (air) and the wired network

Q - What is the coverage area of an access point?
A - The area covered by an access point is call a hotspot. The access point varies depending on the obstacles, but generally the AP/ Node is no more than 300 feet radius in most cases.

Q - How will my PC performance and speed be affected using Wireless Network?
A - The wireless network will not affect PC performance.

Q - Why can’t I read my home (outside) email?
A - It requires you to use POP3 (ex: outlook) or IMAP (Pop3 and IMAP is a type of email protocol) they are not available when using Wireless Network.

Q - How many devices can I register for wireless use?
A - Currently, students are granted only one logon. If you are a currently registered CityTech student, you can get connected to the College’s wireless and wired network. Your network login is the same as your CityTech Email login name, and your password is your date of birth in the following format: MMDDYY

TERMINOLOGY

AP (Access Point)
A transceiver or radio component in a wireless LAN that acts as the transfer point between wired and wireless signal, and vice versa. The AP is connected to antennas as well as to the wired LAN system.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
This is an encryption system that encrypts data on wireless networks that can only be read by authorized users with the correct decryption key. (See technical information section for additional information regarding "WEP").

Wi Fi Hotspot
A "Wi Fi Hotspot" is defined as any location in which 802.11 (wireless) technology both exists and is available for use to consumers. In some cases the wireless access is free, and in others, wireless carriers charge for Wi Fi usage. Generally, the most common usage of Wi Fi technology is for laptop users to gain Internet access in locations such as airports, coffee shops, and so on. (See technical information section for additional information regarding "Wi Fi Hotspot").

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
What is WiFi?
WiFi is the wireless way to handle networking. It is also known as 802.11 networking and wireless networking. The big advantage of WiFi is its simplicity. You can connect computers
anywhere in your home or office without the need for wires. The computers connect to the network using radio signals, and computers can be up to 100 feet or so apart.
802.11b was the first version to reach the marketplace. It is the slowest and least expensive of the three. As mentioned above, 802.11b transmits at 2.4 GHz and can handle up to 11 megabits
per second. 802.11g is a mix of both worlds. It operates at 2.4 GHz (giving it the cost advantage of 802.11b) but it has 54 megabits per second speed of 802.11a.

About WiFi Security
WiFi hotspots can be open or secure. If a hotspot is open, then anyone with a WiFi card can access the hotspot. If it is secure, then the user needs to know a WEP (Wired Equivalent
Privacy) key to connect.
WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, and it is an encryption system for the data that 802.11 sends through the air. WEP has two variations: 64-bit encryption (really 40-bit) and 128-bit
encryption is more secure and is what most people use if they enable WEP. For a casual user, any hotspot that is using WEP is inaccessible unless you know the WEP key.

GENERAL FAQ’s
Q - What locations is the Wireless network available?
A - Wireless Network is available in the Namm cafeteria, Atrium building, and Voorhees cafeteria. More sites will be available in the future.

Q - What happens when I move between coverage areas of different access points?
A - When you move between coverage areas you will have to login again when the week signal is dropped. The new login will be to the closer access point with the stronger signal.

Q - What are some things that can be done using wire less?
A - Mainly Web access now. You can use eSIMS, check online email (student email) and do any online research on the Internet.

Q - Do I need an account to access Wireless Network?
A - Yes and only registered students will be given an account.

Q - I am registered but I don’t think I have an account, how can I find out?
A - If you are not sure contact Student Helpdesk at 718-260-4900 or visit them at Namm 124

Q - Where can I purchase a Wireless Network Card (Wireless Adapter) for my laptop?
A - You can purchase it at any store that sells PC accessories. Look for 802.11b/g with 128 WEP capability.

Q - Whom can I contact if I have additional questions regarding Wireless Network?
A - You can contact Student Helpdesk at 718-260-4900 or visit them at Namm 124