Wireless Campus Network

Wireless service is available in approximately 90% of academic and administrative spaces across the Blacksburg campus. To take advantage of this service, you need to register, obtain and install a wireless network interface card (NIC), and configure your operating system to access the network.

Registration

To register and read more information on our wireless service, such as the campus coverage area, go to the Wireless LAN at Virginia Tech Web pages(http://www.cns.vt.edu/data_services.html).

Hardware Requirements

A wireless network interface card (NIC) is necessary to access the campus wireless network. Some computers have a built-in 802.11b or 802.11g NIC. The new wireless network will use the IEEE 802.11g standard, however, a few places on campus will still use 802.11b throughout the transition to the production service. The 802.11b cards will work seamlessly with 802.11g access nodes. Likewise, 802.11g cards will work seamlessly with 802.11b nodes.

If your computer does not have a built-in NIC, you will need to purchase a card that is compatible with one or both of these wireless standards. The 802.11g standard is faster (54Mbps), while the 802.11b is slower (11 Mbps). Cards are available for both Windows and Macintosh. Follow the instructions provided by your manufacturer to install the hardware and drivers on your computer.

Configuration Instructions

After you have registered for wireless service and installed the NIC, click the the appropriate link below to configure your system to access the network.

To access the VT-Wireless wireless network:

• Connecting to the VT-Wireless Wireless Network in Windows Vista
• Connecting to the VT-Wireless Wireless Network in Windows XP
• Connecting to the VT-Wireless Wireless Network in Windows 7
• Connecting to the VT-Wireless Wireless Network in Mac OS X v10.5
• Connecting to the VT-Wireless Wireless Network in Mac OS X v10.6
• Connecting to the VT-Wireless Wireless Network in Mac OS X v10.7

To access the VT-WLAN wireless network:

• Connecting to the VT-WLAN Wireless Network in Windows XP Service Pack 2/3 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/2 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/2
• Connecting to the VT-WLAN Wireless Network Mac OS X v10.4 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/2618/)

Support

• If you have problems with wireless software, device configuration, connectivity, or the wireless networks, contact 4Help by using the Help Request Form or by calling (540) 231-HELP (4357).

Other Resources

• Registration
• Campus Coverage