CSUSM has a very robust wireless network.  Almost from its inception, Cal State San Marcos has had wireless access.  Today students, faculty, and staff can log in from almost anywhere on campus to check email, browse the web, check their class schedule, or find what hours the library is open.

As a member of the CSUSM community you can connect to the wireless network using your campus username and password.  All non CSUSM community users need to use the Guest access. Guests will need to login using their email address in the guest box. There is no cost to connect to the wireless network. In order to connect please review the information provided on this site.

Setup and Requirements

Select your operating system from the list below for detailed instructions for configuring your laptop.

Windows 7: 

• Windows 7 Student Instructions
• Windows 7 Faculty/Staff Instructions

Mac OS X: 

• Mac OS X Student Instructions
• Mac OS X Faculty/Staff Instructions

iOS Devices

• iOS Student Instructions
• iOS Faculty/Staff Instructions

Android Devices

• Android Student Instructions
• Android Faculty/Staff Instructions

**Other operating systems, such as Linux or Windows 95/98/NT/ME/2000/XP, may work with the wireless network, but they are not supported by the university.

Students - If you have any questions or problems, please contact the Student Technology Help Desk at x6505 for assistance.

Faculty and Staff - If you have any questions or problems, please contact the Faculty and Staff Help Desk at x4790 for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the CSUSM wireless network?
The CSUSM wireless network is a wireless campus network that allows mobile users access to network resources from many campus locations without the need of a wired connection.

What kind of connection/speeds will I be getting with the wireless network?
802.11n provides connection speed of about 75 megabits per second, 802.11g provides connection speeds of about 54 megabits per second, and 802.11b wireless provides connection speed of about 11 megabits per second. By comparison, campus wired connection points connect at 100 megabits/second, typical cable modems connect at 0.2-1.0 megabits/second, and standard dialup connects at around 0.05 megabits/second.

How do I connect to the wireless network?
The full instructions can be above.

Do I need any software to use the wireless network?
You will only need the drivers that come with your wireless card. Please make sure you have the latest available drivers for your network card installed.

What operating systems does the wireless support?
The CSUSM wireless network currently supports Windows 7, Vista, as well as Macintosh OS 10. Other operating systems, such as Linux or Windows 95/98/NT/ME/2000/XP, may work with the wireless network, but they are not supported by the university.

If a building is listed as offering wireless network access, does that mean it covers the entire building?
Not necessarily. Wireless networks operate in a manner similar to cellular telephone service in that you may occasionally find dead spots in covered areas. These are usually caused by electronic interference or physical signal blockers such as large metal appliances or steel building infrastructure. Also, our current deployment is concentrating on classroom areas, so other areas might not fall within the range of the access points in any given location. As demand for wireless connectivity grows, the CSUSM wireless network will be expanded to cover new areas and to better cover existing locations.