Aggie Wireless Zones
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ is a good place to start for basic information.
For personal assistance with connection or setup problems, contact the ICT Help Desk, (505) 646-1840 from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, or send email to: help@nmsu.edu.
- Where at NMSU can I connect to an NMSU Wireless Zone?
- Who can connect to an NMSU Wireless Zone?
- What kind of hardware or equipment does my computer need?
- How would I set up my computer software to use an NMSU wireless zone?
- Who should I contact if I'm having trouble using wireless at MSU?
- What are the Pros and Cons between wired, wireless and dial-up access?
- Are there high speed wired (network cable) locations where I can use my laptop?
- Who should my department talk to if they want to create or expand a wireless area?
- Do I have to re-authenticate or login everytime I move to a new wireless access point?
- What login ID's or passwords do I need to connect in a wireless zone?
- I can't remember my NMSU Username or password. How do I do have it reset?
- Can I get wireless access from my home or apartment off-campus?
- Does the wireless system use or support encryption
Where at NMSU can I connect to a Wireless Zone?
Wireless access points are constantly being added on main campus. Check the Wireless Zone locations list to find buildings with wireless access points and coverage areas. You can also contact the ICT helpdesk at 646-1840 for planned additions.
Who can connect to an NMSU Wireless Zone?
Any affiliated New Mexico State University students, staff or faculty may login to a Wireless Zone using their SSN and PIN. Access is unavailable for non-affiliated users, but individual departments may choose to offer "proxy" access to visiting scholars or other guests.
What type of hardware or equipment
does my computer need?
To use a wireless access point, your computer must have a "Wi-Fi" compatible network card that is compatible with the 802.11b networking standard. Many laptops now can be purchased with the card preinstalled. If you need to purchase the network card separately, the NMSU bookstore has a wide selection of cards available.
How would I set up my computer software
to use an NMSU wireless zone?
Your computer's networking connection must be configured to use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Detailed instructions for configuring your computer can be found here:
- DHCP configuration for Windows XP
- DHCP configuration for Windows 2000
- DHCP configuration for Windows 95/98
- DHCP configuration for Mac OS 9
- DHCP configuration for Mac OS X
Who should I contact if I'm having trouble using NMSU wireless?
For technical support of all NMSU public wireless zones, please contact the ICT Help Desk at (505) 646-1840 during the hours of 8 - 5 Monday - Friday. For after hours assistance send email to help@nmsu.edu.
What are the Pros and Cons between wired, wireless and dial-up access?
The obvious advantage of physical mobility is somewhat offset by the slightly slower network access rates (=< 11mbps wireless vs. =<100mbps wired) of a wireless network. A wireless connection is also more prone to "dropping" or loss of signal. The most stable, reliable form of network access is still wired Ethernet, but for many students computing from off-campus, or in remote areas, dial-up or phone modem access is a cheap alternative. For more information on dial-up and wired networking options:
What are the Pros and Cons between wired, wireless and dial-up access?
The obvious advantage of physical mobility is somewhat offset by the slightly slower network access rates (=< 11mbps wireless vs. =<100mbps wired) of a wireless network. A wireless connection is also more prone to "dropping" or loss of signal. The most stable, reliable form of network access is still wired Ethernet, but for many students computing from off-campus, or in remote areas, dial-up or phone modem access is a cheap alternative. For more information on dial-up and wired networking options:
Are there high speed wired
(network cable) locations where I can use my laptop?
Most computing labs on campus feature wired ethernet connections that can accomodate laptop computers configured with DHCP. High speed Internet services are also available in many residence halls and other areas. See the High Speed Internet Services page for details.
Who should my department talk to if
they want to create or expand a wireless area?
Campus departmental/school technology support groups should contact the ICT Work Order desk at (505) 646-4244 during business hours (8 - 5 Monday - Friday) or submit a work order via the web at http://www.nmsu.edu/~noc/dv_workorder.html
Do I have to re-authenticate or login
everytime I move to a new main campus wireless access point?
No. Your computer's initial DHCP registration is good for any authorized ICT wireless access point. Procedures may differ for departmental access points not installed and supported by ICT.
What login ID's or passwords do
I need to connect in a wireless zone?
You will need your NMSU username and password to establish your computer on the NMSU network. More information on your NMSU credentials can be found at https://accounts.nmsu.edu/accounts/index.php.
I can't remember my NMSU Username or password?
For any questions regarding your PIN number, please contact the ICT Helpdesk at (505) 646-1840.
Can I get wireless access from my
home or apartment off-campus?
Wireless Internet access may be available in certain areas to qualified faculty and staff of NMSU. Contact ICT Telecommunication & Networking Services (505) 646-4241 or email ict_data_staff@nmsu.edu
Does the wireless system use or support encryption?
Not now, but we plan to implement encryption in the future, possibly in the form of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks).