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 wireless card should I buy?
Currently, use of the CSUSM wireless network requires a wireless card that is IEEE 802.11b (11 MB) or IEEE 802.11g (54 MB) compliant. For a listing of certified card providers please visit the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance Web site's list of certified products. Our campus recommends the IEE802.11g (54 MB) for future bandwidth.

What about 802.11a wireless cards?
The CSUSM wireless network utilizes 802.11b/g access points that do not support 802.11a. Several vendors offer wireless cards that support both 802.11a and 802.11b. Those cards will work on the CSUSM wireless network. The campus will upgrade the wireless network to newer standards as they become more standardized and cost-effective.

What locations currently offer wireless access?
A list of current locations, as well as pending and proposed locations, is available on Wireless Locations.

What kind of connection/speeds will I be getting with the wireless network?
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 found on Setup and Requirements.

How do I connect to my H:\ or my Outlook?
Students will need to contact the Student Technology Helpdesk for additional setup.
Faculty and Staff will need to contact the Faculty & Staff Helpdesk for additional setup.

Do I need any software to use the wireless network?
Other than the drivers that may have come with your wireless card , you do not need any additional software to connect to the CSUSM wireless network. In the future, the wireless network may support encryption or other security mechanisms that may require additional software to use. These pages will be updated to reflect any coming changes.

What operating systems does the wireless support?
The CSUSM wireless network currently supports Windows 2000, and XP, as well as Macintosh OS 9 and OS 10. Other operating systems, such as Linux or Windows 95/98/NT/ME, 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.