AirUWS Wireless LAN

Wireless network available on all campuses

UWS students and staff can now enjoy wireless email and internet access on all campuses. AirUWS users can use their MyUWSAccount to access the Internet from their wireless-enabled laptops in:

• libraries
• rec rooms
• lecture theatres
• most tutorial rooms
• staff meeting rooms
• many outdoor areas.

At the time of its rollout, AirUWS was one of the largest wireless projects ever undertaken in Australia, with around 450 access points becoming operational at the start of first semester, 2007.

The AirUWS project was made possible by generous funding of $2.1m from the Federal Government’s Department of Education, Science and Training. Implementation has allowed UWS students and staff to use more flexible methods of connection than traditional networks.

As AirUWS is fine tuned, this page will be updated to provide you with the most current information. Please bookmark the page and check back regularly for updates.

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What is wireless?

Wireless is simply another method staff and students can now use to use to connect to the UWS network, and from there, the internet. As its name implies, you don’t need to plug a wire from the back of your device into a network port - freeing you from working in a fixed location. Of course, you’ll still need batteries to supply your power - or a long extension lead!

AirUWS allows students and staff to connect with UWS IT systems and the internet without needing to be physically connected to the network.

How does wireless work?
Wireless relies on radio transmissions to transmit and receive data. The following links may help your understanding of the technology behind wireless networks.

• Wikipedia - Wireless LAN
• Wikipedia - Wireless Access Point
• Wikipedia - IEEE 802.11
• 802.11 standard - IEEE Standards Association
• HowStuffWorks - How WiFi Works
• About.com - Wireless Networks and WiFi Technology
• VicomSoft - Wireless Networking Q&A
• New York Times Co. - Wired vs Wireless

These sites should be used as a general guide only, and are not endorsed by UWS.

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Using AirUWS

In creating AirUWS, we have positioned access points to create wireless zones in key locations on each campus, ensuring we have the greatest coverage available for areas that most need it.

When you’re within a UWS wireless zone, your laptop will detect that either AirUWS or AIRUWS is available. If both are available, connect to whichever has the strongest signal. If you then open your web browser, you’ll be able to login with your MyUWSAccount credentials.

For security reasons, we'll conduct an admission control test on your device at the time of login, to check you have up-to-date antivirus, critical operating system patches installed, etc. If your laptop fails the test, you will either be refused access, or your access will be restricted until you fix all detected problems.

What will I need to access AirUWS?
Personally owned laptops meeting the minimum specifications below will be able to connect to AirUWS. UWS owned/leased standard laptops will also be able to connect.

PDAs and other wireless devices are unable to connect due to issues with their Java implementations.

Where will I have access?
Please see the campus coverage maps linked from this page.

AirUWS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Getting help

What support is available?

Students
Teaching Technology Officers (TTOs) located at the general purpose computer labs on each campus are the primary source of support for students connecting non-UWS laptops to AirUWS. Students may also contact the Helpdesk for phone based support.

Staff
The primary source of support for staff connecting to AirUWS is the ITD Helpdesk.

Helpdesk
Phone: 02 9852 5111 (ext 5111)
Fax:     02 9678 7191
Email:  helpdesk@uws.edu.au

Fact Sheets
Fact sheets (pdf format) providing information on connecting to AirUWS with laptops running Windows XP, Windows Vista, and MacOS 10.4 are available on the AirUWS Support website. Basic support information, troubleshooting and tips are also available on the support site.

Hard copies of fact sheets are available from ITD's Teaching Technology Officers and campus Libraries.

AirUWS Support and Fact Sheets

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Minimum specifications required to use AirUWS

To successfully connect, the following minimum specifications must be met:

All computers:
Keyboard layout
You may find you need to set your computer to use the US keyboard layout.

PC:
Operating system
Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2.

The initial rollout was tested by ITD and certified to work with laptops running Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported.

Web browser
Internet Explorer 6 or later, however, most browsers should work. Apple Safari (for PCs) is known not to work due to Java issues.

Java
JRE 1.5.0.06 or later.

Browser settings

• Autodetect proxy settings
• Disable (untick) reuse windows for launching shortcuts
• Enable (tick) HTTP1.1 through proxy connections
• Pop-ups and cookies must be allowed for UWS (Internet Explorer 6's default settings will work)

Antivirus
You must have an accepted antivirus program. Most major antivirus products will work with AirUWS. 

Other antivirus products may be added if there is sufficient demand. Please advise the ITD Helpdesk if you use current antivirus software and it isn't accepted by AirUWS.

If your antivirus fails acceptance tests, a suggested workaround is to temporarily disable or uninstall your antivirus and install one of the free versions listed below.

• AVG Free Antivirus (free for personal use)
• avast! Home Antivirus (free for personal use)  

PC:
Operating System
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit version only). SP1 is recommended. The 64 bit version of Vista is incompatible with AirUWS.

UWS has tested and successfully connected with Vista 32 bit, and the fact sheet linked above provides connecting information. Please ensure you have fully followed the Vista fact sheet before requesting any support.

Windows XP (SP2) remains the recommended operating system for PCs using AirUWS.

Web browser
Internet Explorer 7 or later

Java
JRE 1.6.0.07 is recommended for Vista users.

Browser settings

• Autodetect proxy settings
• Disable (untick) reuse windows for launching shortcuts
• Pop-ups and cookies must be allowed for UWS

Antivirus
You must have an accepted antivirus program. Most major antivirus products will work with AirUWS. 

Other antivirus products may be added if there is sufficient demand. Please advise the ITD Helpdesk if you use current antivirus software and it isn't accepted by AirUWS.

If your antivirus fails acceptance tests, a suggested workaround is to temporarily disable or uninstall your antivirus and install one of the free versions listed below.

• AVG Free Antivirus (free for personal use)
• avast! Home Antivirus (free for personal use)  

PC:
Operating System
LINUX

LINUX users may be able to connect if they have a recent version of Java and Firefox. No support or fact sheets are available.

Macintosh:
UWS has tested Macintosh computers in the following configuration. Earlier versions of MacOS are not supported. The fact sheet linked above provides more detailed information. Please ensure you have fully followed the MacOS fact sheet before requesting any support.

Operating system
MacOS 10.4 (Tiger), MacOS 10.5.x (Leopard) or later.

Web browser
Safari 2.0.4 or later.

Java
The JRE version included with MacOS 10.4, or later, should be suitable. http://www.java.com will have the latest version.

Browser settings

• Safari users should configure their proxies to use a PAC file with the URL http://autoproxy.uws.edu.au/proxy.pac
• Disable (untick) reuse windows for launching shortcuts
• Pop-ups and cookies must be allowed for UWS

Antivirus

We strongly recommend that you install and use an antivirus product.

All platforms:

Network TCP/IP settings

• Must be set to obtain an IP address automatically (this is normally the default setting).

Java Run Time Environment (JRE)

• JRE 1.5.0.06 or later (minimum required for access to Campus Edition). You can download the latest version from http://www.java.com if connected to a network.
• JRE 1.6.0.07 or later is recommended for Vista users.

Hardware

• Your wireless hardware must be compatible with the 802.11g wireless standard. The draft standard 802.11n is not supported by AirUWS. Please do not use the older and slower 802.11b standard, because they slow the connection speeds for all users.

You

• You will need an active MyUWSAccount to be able to log in.
• You will also need administrative user rights on the laptop you are using to connect, or the connection software will not install. Almost all regular users of UWS owned/leased standard laptops are "Self Managed Mobile Users" and will have sufficient rights.

Additional information

What’s the benefit to me?
The major benefit to students and staff is network and internet access 'anywhere'. Provided you’re in a wireless zone, you can now log in with your wireless laptop and access the network on any campus, without battling red tape. You can access the network in many areas that don’t have a traditional network installed, such as campus cafés, the Library, and lecture theatres. You can take advantage of good weather and work outside, or connect while at an outdoor lecture.

Other benefits will be seen as users become familiar with the capabilities of wireless - for example, students and staff may develop more innovative and flexible approaches to the learning experience.

AirUWS also allows UWS to rapidly and inexpensively deploy temporary additional coverage without expensive building works.

Project Status
The University, in conjunction with Optus Business Services (partnering with Nortel Networks and Mercury Technologies), has now implemented AirUWS on all main campuses, using indoor and outdoor Nortel wireless equipment.

Although the original project is complete, installation of further wireless zones may be added if funding is available.

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Feedback

If you are using, or have tried to use AirUWS, we would like your feedback.

Comments regarding setup, instructions, technical issues, IT support, network access and services available, and any suggested improvements should be sent directly to wireless-feedback@uws.edu.au.

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