Wireless frequently asked questions
- Am I able to print using wireless?
- I'm connected to the wireless network but can't browse the internet
- Does using the wireless network drain my laptop's battery?
- Can I connect to the wireless network with my mobile phone?
- How do I log on and off the wireless network?
- Will wireless work on a Macintosh computer?
- I experience the following problems with roaming, what can I do?
- What are the supported standards for wireless networking at Deakin?
- Can I download files using wireless?
- Who can connect to the wireless network?
- What are the wireless security implications?
Please contact the IT Service Desk if your question is not answered here.
Am I able to print using wireless?
Deakin staff
Yes. Deakin staff have access to all their normal printing resources when connected to wireless.
Deakin students
Yes. You can print from your own laptop to computer lab and library printers while connected to the Deakin network. To be able to print from your laptop you will need to install the Pharos Print Client available from the software website.
When printing from your laptop you will be given a choice of printers on all campuses. Each printer is named with Campus_Lab_Colour or Campus_Lab_BW_Output. Be sure to select the appropriate campus printer and colour or BW (black/white). Once you have selected the printer, you will be prompted for your Deakin username and password and will receive a message detailing the costs of the print job. You will still need to swipe your Deakin Card at the printer you wish to collect your printing from. Normal printing charges will apply.
I'm connected to the wireless network but can't browse the internet
If you have followed the connection instructions in one of the wireless network help sheets and are still having difficulty, please contact the IT Service Desk.
Does using the wireless network drain my laptop's battery?
Yes. Using the wireless network is one of the many things that will affect your battery performance. Other factors include the age of the battery, type of battery or laptop, the applications running and the screen brightness. You should look at the power conservation options on your laptop and plan your use accordingly.
Can I connect to the wireless network with my mobile phone?
Yes. Devices supported by the IT Service Desk include the iPhone, Nokia E51 and similar models, and Windows Mobile 6 devices. For information on configuring your mobile phone to connect to the wireless network see the Getting Connected page of this website.
How do I log on and off the wireless network?
Logging on to the wireless network varies depending on whether you have a Deakin University Workstation Scheme (DUWS) laptop (staff only) or a personal laptop, and which wireless network you are connecting to. Refer to the help sheets for set up instructions.
Will wireless work on a Macintosh computer?
Yes. If you don't have an AirPort card with your computer, you can purchase a wireless card and add it to your computer to establish wireless access. Go to the Apple Support webpage to check if your computer requires an Airport 802.11b or Airport Extreme 802.11g card. Refer to the relevant help sheets to configure wireless on your Macintosh.
I experience the following problems with roaming, what can I do?
- Initial connection is not always to closest access point
- Roaming is not always to an access point with a greater indicated signal strength
- Roaming is not always to the closest access point, or
- Roaming is not immediate
If your wireless network has multiple access points, the client adapter can roam from one access point to another. The roaming is based on signal quality, rather than distance to an access point. Changes in the signal quality are monitored by the adapter to determine whether a roam should occur. However, should the signal quality to an access point that is further away remain strong, the client may not roam to a nearer access point, or may not roam immediately. Roaming is designed to increase efficiency of the wireless local area network (LAN) by minimising unnecessary data traffic. It also helps conserve battery power.
What are the supported standards for wireless networking at Deakin?
The present specifications for wireless networking at Deakin can be found in useful technical information.
Can I download files using wireless?
Yes. Files can be downloaded, however it will not be as fast as over a wired network. There is no limit to the size of files downloaded. To download large files it is recommended you use the wired network.
Who can connect to the wireless network?
Deakin staff and students with a current username and password can connect to the Deakin wireless network. Staff and students from participating institutions are able to connect to eduroam at Deakin, as long as they have configured their devices according to the instructions provided by their own institutions.
What are the wireless security implications?
Most security issues associated with using a computer on a wireless network are essentially the same as those when using a computer on the wired network. Please refer to Deakin's wireless security page for further information.
