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 the original AirUWS, which will run in parallel with AirUWS-Lite for a period.

What is AirUWS-Lite and how is it different from the existing AirUWS network?

• AirUWS-Lite is a new network provided in response to feedback from students and staff. Our security measures on the older AirUWS network sometimes made it difficult for people to connect. AirUWS can only be used with a limited range of hardware and operating systems, specific antivirus products and other specific software and protocols.
• AirUWS-Lite allows easier 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.
• Staff who have had wireless printing and access to shared drives will not have access to these services via AirUWS-Lite, but AirUWS will remain available for the time being.

Which one should I use - AirUWS-Lite or AirUWS?

• For almost all users, AirUWS-Lite should be your first choice.
• UWS runs three wireless networks using slightly different technologies. There are no differences in network speeds.
• AirUWS-Lite is the new version, and is the only UWS network suitable for mobile phones and similar devices, however, staff access to printing or network shares is unavailable.
  
• AirUWS (indoors) and AIRUWS (outdoors) continue to provide access to a limited range of equipment. Of these two, you should always connect to whichever version is showing the strongest signal strength.

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 and AirUWS are both 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 - not for AirUWS-Lite. 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.
  
• Only laptops can connect to the older AirUWS network, and they must meet minimum hardware and software specifications.
  

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. Access will be available in all student residences by end 2010. In the meantime, the older AirUWS remains available in these 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?

• Not if you are using AirUWS-Lite. Staff are able to print normally when using AirUWS.
  
• 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.
  
• You can keep pop-ups and cookies blocked for other sites, but will need to allow them from UWS if you want to use the older AirUWS. It's not a security risk to allow pop-ups and cookies from UWS.
  

What about virus protection?

• Virus protection is not compulsory for connecting to AirUWS-Lite, but is compulsory for AirUWS.
• 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 and AirUWS should be viewed as complementary extensions of the wired network. not replacements.
  

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 or AirUWS and is subject to less interference. We recommend increasing the capacity of your wired network rather than using wireless. Although compatible with less equipment, AirUWS 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!

I've got some comments, how can I give feedback?

• All feedback should be emailed directly to:
  wireless-feedback@uws.edu.au