Issue / Question
Frequently asked questions about the wireless networks available through ISU.
Environment
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Platform
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TigerNet
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TigerGuest
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DeviceNet
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eduroam
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Wireless
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Audience Affected
Resolution
Note: The IT Service Desk is available to assist you with connecting to Campus Wireless, installing a network interface card, or any other related problems.
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Is Wireless Secure?
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TigerNet uses 802.1x authentication, while the rest of our SSIDs (TigerGuest, DeviceNet, and eduroam™) use Wireless Protected Access II (WPA2) to mitigate exposure. However, as with all wireless technologies, interception and interpretation of your transmission is a risk.
Which Network Should I Use?
Network
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Description
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Tutorials
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TigerNet
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TigerNet is the standard network for student, faculty, and staff use.
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TigerNet uses 802.1x (Certificate Based) authentication.
Note: If your device does not support 802.1x, you may need to use DeviceNet.
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DeviceNet
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Used for devices that do not support 802.1x (Certificate Based) authentication.
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This is true for many Gaming Consoles and Smart TVs.
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We recommend using DeviceNet for devices that multiple users share.
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TigerGuest
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TigerGuest allows users to register for temporary network access.
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Useful for those visiting ISU but not affiliated with ISU or eduroam™.
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Fulfills basic connectivity needs for guests at ISU.
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eduroam™
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eduroam™ is designed for visitors from institutions that participate in the eduroam™ network.
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ISU faculty, staff, and students are welcome to use eduroam™ at home and abroad
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Is Wireless A Replacement For "Wired" Connections?
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Wireless networks allow for increased mobility and flexibility but, as a general rule, are not as strong or secure as a wired connection.
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Wireless is less secure and is susceptible to many types of interference. We do not recommend replacing a hard-wired network connection with a wireless connection in offices or instructor podiums.
Can I Buy Internet From Another Internet Provider?
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You may install a wired Internet connection from a 3rd party provider IF your housing allows such a connection. Don't hesitate to contact your housing provider to find out what your options are.
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You may NOT install a wireless Internet connection from a 3rd party on campus. For every non-official wireless signal on campus, the quality of the official wireless networks decreases.
Connecting to TigerNet or eduroam using an iPhone
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The first time your iPhone connects to TigerNet or eduroam, you may be warned that the certificate is "not verified." If the value shown is "merry.netel.isu.edu" or "merry2.netel.isu.edu", you should click "Accept." You will then be asked to provide your ISU username and password.
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Your iPhone is trying to verify the identity of the authentication server and is asking you to confirm that it may pass your credentials to the server it is currently talking to. The More Details button allows you to view the contents of the SSL certificate presented by the server that your iPhone is talking to. You should satisfy yourself that this is indeed the certificate of the desired authentication server (the expected values at ISU are either merry.netel.isu.edu or merry2.netel.isu.edu).
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Your cached username and password will be re-used on subsequent connections to this network if you enable caching of credentials in the profile. Otherwise, you will be prompted to re-enter your credentials each time you connect. Whether credential caching is enabled or not, you will not be required to re-verify the SSL certificate of your home authentication server on subsequent use of this profile.
Why is my Wireless Access Sometimes Unreliable?
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Wireless is less reliable than a "wired" connection. Think of it as a cellphone. The connection is not always perfect, and in some places, there may be no connection at all. However, most folks are willing to accept those limitations for increased convenience, flexibility, and mobility. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it does not.
Does Wireless Work Throughout Campus?
Can Too Many People Connect To Wireless?
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Wireless networks are "shared"; everyone connected to a wireless network competes for the same resources. The more users who connect, the slower the connection will be.
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That being said, we’ve tried to set up wireless networks on campus to allow us to provide wireless access to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors for the foreseeable future.
Do Microwaves Interfere With Wireless Networks?
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ISU Wireless Networks operate at 2.4 GHz, while microwave ovens operate at 2.45 GHz. Tests confirm that microwave ovens (among other devices) can cause some interference with wireless networks.
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The FCC regulates the frequency spectrum in which wireless networks operate but is not exclusive to wireless networks. This means that other technologies and devices using the same frequency can also cause interference.
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Most complaints are the result of “rogue” wireless access points. (A rogue access point is defined as a personal wireless router broadcasting a wireless signal on campus.)
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What Is eduroam®?
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eduroam® (education roaming) is a worldwide wireless network developed for the global research and education community. eduroam® allows students, researchers, and staff at ISU to use their standard ISU usernames and passwords to connect to the “eduroam® network" while visiting any participating institution, with no inconvenient reregistration or time-outs. With hundreds of thousands of wireless access points sharing a common SSID, eduroam® acts as one giant, worldwide wireless hotspot.
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What is DeviceNet?
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DeviceNet is an ISU network for devices that do not support 802.1x (Certificate Based) Authentication. It also is helpful for situations where multiple users are sharing a single device.
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DeviceNet has no access to University IT resources or networks by default.
Note: If your device needs access to internal University resources while on DeviceNet, please contact the ITS Service Desk to make a special request.
Idaho State University (ISU) is transitioning from BengalWeb to MyISU and introducing a new, personalized
MyISU Portal. For more information about the new portal, please visit the
MyISU Information page. Need help? Contact the IT Service Desk at (208) 282-HELP (4357) or
chat.