AirUWS FAQ

These Frequently Asked Questions address common enquiries we have received about using the wireless systems available at UWS. The University provides access to the updated UWS wireless network, AirUWS-Lite, and will provide eduroam® access for visitors from participating organisations from 3 September 2012.

What is AirUWS-Lite?

  • AirUWS-Lite is a new network provided in response to feedback from students and staff. Our security measures and other limitations of the older AirUWS network sometimes made it difficult for people to connect.
  • AirUWS-Lite allows connection to our wireless network by a broader range of devices, including iPads, iPhones and similar devices, and a variety of operating systems including Mac OS 10.6.4, Linux, 32 and 64 bit Windows 7, Vista and XP.

Who can use wireless at UWS?

  • Anyone with an active MyUWSAccount and compatible equipment. All students, staff and certain associates of UWS are able to hold MyUWSAccounts.

When can I start using wireless at UWS?

  • Now. AirUWS-Lite is available on all main campuses. Students and staff should be aware that as we fine tune the service, wireless services at UWS will continue to change and develop.

Do I need special equipment to be able to connect?

  • No. Most wireless devices compatible with 802.11(a), (g) or (n) wireless standards will be able to connect. Users of Windows XP must have service Pack 3 installed.

Do the regular UWS IT rules and policies apply?

  • Yes. All UWS wireless network users are bound by the same policies that apply to wired network users. As with the wired network, all online activity is logged. When you activated your MyUWSAccount you agreed to comply with the IT Acceptable Use of Resources Policy.

How much does it cost to use wireless at UWS?

  • There is no charge for MyUWSAccount holders to use wireless.

Where can I connect to wireless?

  • Please see the coverage maps.
  • AirUWS-Lite access in student residences and outdoor areas is still being rolled out. If it was previously provided, the older AirUWS will remain available until AirUWS-Lite becomes available in those areas.
  • Wireless is available in selected zones on campus only. UWS does not provide any off-campus access to wireless services.

Can I print from wireless?

  • No.
  • If you need to print, we recommend saving your document to a USB drive, and taking this to an on campus computer lab to print as you normally would when using the labs.

Isn't it a security risk to allow pop-ups and cookies?

  • You don't need to allow pop-ups and cookies for AirUWS-Lite.

What about virus protection?

  • Virus protection is not compulsory for connecting to AirUWS-Lite.
  • Virus protection on privately owned devices is your responsibility and is strongly recommended.
  • Standard UWS computers come with antivirus software.

Will wireless replace the traditional, wired network?

  • No. There are no plans to cease providing or supporting the existing cable-based network. At present, cable-based Ethernet is considerably faster, but wireless is more versatile. AirUWS-Lite should be viewed as a complementary extension of the wired network. not a replacement.

We have a new staff member, and no available wired network ports. Should we just get her to use wireless?

  • The wired network remains faster and more reliable than AirUWS-Lite and is subject to less interference. We recommend increasing the capacity of your wired network rather than using wireless. AirUWS-Lite could be used as a temporary solution until more ports are installed in your building.
  • AirUWS-Lite is not recommended for regular staff use because you can't print or access network shares.

Are there any health and safety issues?

  • The type of radiation emitted from wireless access points is very similar to that of mobile phones. Nortel Networks is our chosen hardware provider, and all equipment they are installing operates in compliance with national standards.

Can I walk around and stay connected?

  • Yes and no. Provided you stay within the one wireless zone, you should stay connected. If you move to an area covered by another wireless zone, move from a zone covered by an indoor access point to an outdoor access point (and vice versa), or move to an area without any cover, you may be disconnected.

I used the UWS wireless network and now my computer won’t work. What are you going to do about it?

  • UWS will not be liable for any damage to personal equipment that has been connected to any University wireless network. It is your responsibility to ensure that your equipment is protected. UWS strongly recommends that you purchase, install and use software to protect your equipment and data.

Why won’t you fully support my privately owned device?

  • Unfortunately the University does not have sufficient resources to fully support privately owned devices on top of the thousands of University devices we do support.

Why does IT support tell me to reboot whenever something goes wrong?

  • Rebooting is something anyone can do, it’s fast, simple, and often resolves the problem. Computers and related devices are very complex and have many programs and services running. If a program/service crashes, it may well impact on other programs/services. Rebooting should get your computer back to a stage where everything that’s supposed to be working, is!

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