Connecting to the Sul Ross Wireless Network

Please note: This information is provided for reference only. Sul Ross State University and the Help Desk do not support, install or configure wireless network access on the personal computers of students, faculty or staff.

Overview: The SRSU wireless network exists primarily to support university-related business that takes place between the main Alpine campus, the Range Animal Sciences complex and SRSU constiituencies at the Centennial School. However, wireless access is also available to students, faculty and staff who are interested in securing, installing and supporting the necessary wireless equipment.

The steps involved in gaining access to the SRSU wireless network appear below.

• Step 1: Consider Options for Connecting to SRSU Internet Resources
• Step 2: Conduct a Wireless Site Survey at Your Residence
• Step 3: Determine and Purchase Appropriate Wireless Equipment
• Step 4: Configure Wireless Card
• Step 5: Install Wireless Equipment

Step 1: Consider Options for Connecting to SRSU Internet Resources

You do not have to use wireless to access Sul Ross Internet resources such as Banner Self-Service, Blackboard, SRSU e-mail, etc. Instead, you can choose from a variety of access options (such as dial-up or high speed DSL) from a number of different Internet Service Providers in the area. ISPs serving Alpine include:

• Southwestern Bell Communications

Any of these options will allow you to access SRSU's Internet resources. However, if you determine that a wireless connection to the SRSU network is something you would like to try, please remember that Help Desk does not support or provide consulting services for wireless installations/configurations.

Step 2: Conduct a Wireless Site Survey at Your Residence

If you determine that a wireless connection to the SRSU network is an option you would like to pursue, the next step is to conduct a wireless site survey at your residence. This survey will determine if the wireless signal strength is adequate. Factors affecting signal strength include distance from the wireless access point and obstacles in the line of sight between your residence and the wireless access point.

The Help Desk maintains a laptop computer with the equipment necessary for you to conduct a wireless site survey. You may check it out from the Help Desk by calling 8765.

Instructions for conducting the wireless site survey are on the laptop. Or you may access them here:
Web Site Survey Instructions

Step 3: Determine and Purchase Appropriate Wireless Equipment

Once you have determined that the signal strength at your residence will be adequate, you will need to determine and purchase appropriate wireless equipment for your system.

Typically, equipment you will need includes:

• A Wireless Card
• An Antenna (and mounting kit, if necessary)
• Cable Assembly from the Antenna, routed inside the dwelling
• A Lightning Arrestor in the cable path
• An Adapter Cable to make the conversion between the antenna cable assembly and the wireless card

For examples of each of these devices,visit the Suggested Wireless Parts List page.

Step 4: Configure Wireless Card

Follow the wireless card installation procedures as specified in the documentation for your card. Note that most wireless cards require that the software be installed before you insert the card for the first time.

Note: If you are using a Cisco Aironet card (as recommended in Step 3) and using a PC running Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP, you may pick up a copy of the Cisco Aironet 350 drivers at the Help Desk in BAB 101. The CD contains a self-extracting zip file including all the wireless card profile information you will need to connect to the SRSU wireless network.

Step 5: Install Wireless Equipment

Installation of your antenna, cabling and adapter will depend on the type of equipment you purchase. Each situation is somewhat unique. If you need assistance installing, mounting and supporting this equipment, consider contracting with a computer/networking support company such as the ones listed in Step 1 above. SRSU Help Desk does not currently provide these services.

Note: You may also need a mounting device such as a 1 7/8" diameter pipe or a tripod that will hold a 1 7/8" diameter pipe. You may find those parts at your local lumber store, hardware store or welding supply store.