What is a wireless LAN?
A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a network that allows access to the Samuel Merritt College network and the Internet without the need for any wired connections to the user's machine.
What can I do when connected to a wireless network?
You can use wireless for any normal network connectivity that is supported over a wired connection. You should not use wireless for streaming audio/video, very large downloads or viewing extremely graphic-intensive websites. Even though wireless networks look attractive for use everywhere, wired networks still give the best performance and speed. In general, a wireless connection works just like a wired Ethernet connection. Wireless access may be up to 11 megabits per second. This bandwidth, however, is shared among all users connected via wireless in a given area. This means that network speeds may be noticeably slower when many people are using wireless, and generally will not be as fast as wired Ethernet. For permanent network connections, a wired network is the best solution.
What do I need to begin using wireless?
To connect to the wireless network, you will need:
A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a network that allows access to the Samuel Merritt College network and the Internet without the need for any wired connections to the user's machine.
What can I do when connected to a wireless network?
You can use wireless for any normal network connectivity that is supported over a wired connection. You should not use wireless for streaming audio/video, very large downloads or viewing extremely graphic-intensive websites. Even though wireless networks look attractive for use everywhere, wired networks still give the best performance and speed. In general, a wireless connection works just like a wired Ethernet connection. Wireless access may be up to 11 megabits per second. This bandwidth, however, is shared among all users connected via wireless in a given area. This means that network speeds may be noticeably slower when many people are using wireless, and generally will not be as fast as wired Ethernet. For permanent network connections, a wired network is the best solution.
What do I need to begin using wireless?
To connect to the wireless network, you will need:
- A laptop computer equipped with an internal wireless network card or external Type II or Type III PC card slot.
- A wireless PC Card. Samuel Merritt College recommends a wireless card that supports 802.11b/g frequency and and 128-bit encryption. Please note that even if your card does comply with these two given criteria, we cannot guarantee that it will be compatible with the wireless network.
Can anybody connect to SMC's wireless networks?
No. Only individuals with valid Samuel Merritt College AD accounts can connect to the Wireless Network. Guest Access is available by contacting Media Services or the Helpdesk. .
Can I print from the SMC Wireless Network?
No, at this time printing from machines connected to the wireless is not available.
How do I know if I'm connected?
You can check your network connectivity status by looking at the Status and Activity indicators on the wireless PC card. The Status light will blink when a connection is made. The Activity light will blink when data is transmitted.
Does a wireless card use a lot of power?
Yes. A laptop's batteries will deplete much faster while using wireless.