General RUWireless Questions
- Why am I not able to send e-mail from RUWireless?
Sending email is possible, though restricted. Most email clients send mail using the SMTP protocol. Due to a large increase of email viruses that spread using SMTP, RUWireless prevents its users from connecting to non-Rutgers SMTP email servers (ports 25 and 465).
Users are still able to send email through webmail services or through trusted Rutgers SMTP servers such as smtp.rutgers.edu. For assistance in configuring your mail client to use smtp.rutgers.edu, please see the Reading and Sending Email section of http://nbcs.rutgers.edu/services/communicating/email-overview.php.
- Am I able to print from RUWireless with a Windows Vista?
Support for the 32-bit version of Windows Vista has been added to the RUWireless Printer client. The 64-bit version is still unsupported by Pharos, the vendor of the University's print management software.
- Am I able to print from RUWireless with a Linux laptop?
Printing from RUWireless using a Linux laptop is not supported because the company that manufacturers our printer management software does not make a Linux driver. The company does not have any plans to release a Linux driver.
- I can connect to the RUWireless network, but I am not getting redirected to the login page. Is there another way to login?
If you are in a RUWireless coverage area and connected to the RUWireless network than you should get redirected when you attempt to load any outside Rutgers webpage. If you don't get redirected, you can try going directly to https://login.ruw.rutgers.edu/login.pl to manually load the login page.
- I see a RUWireless network in an area/building that is not listed on the coverage page. Can I use it?
While there is the chance that RUWireless coverage can leak into a building not officially covered, it is more likely that someone has put up their own access point and chose to name it RUWireless. Although this is discouraged, since it is confusing for others, there is nothing to technically stop someone from doing it. We suggest that you only use RUWireless networks that are listed on the coverage page.
- Why is a VPN no longer required to connect to RUWireless?
RUWireless no longer requires a VPN because it was deemed unneccessary since most all central services now require application layer security via SSH and SSL.
- Are Pocket PC or Palm based hand-held computers supported on RUWireless?
Currently Pocket PCs and Palm Pilots are not supported on RUWireless, meaning you will need to figure out the configuration on your own, but you are free to use them.
- Why is the wireless connection slower than a wired connection?
There are several reasons why the wireless connection is slower than a wired connection. First, the technology itself is slower, 54 Mbps shared for the wireless versus 10/100 Mbps dedicated for most wired connections. Second, RUWireless uses a QOS bandwidth limitation to provide a fair level of service to all users, else it would be possible for a single user to sit very close to an access point and "hog" all the bandwidth. Third, the amount of bandwidth you get is somewhat determined by how strong and "clean" your signal is, so even though the RUWireless team has made every effort to provide clear strong signals in marked coverage areas, there still remains the possibility of outside interference such as microwaves and cordless phones which can drastically affect bandwidth.
- How do I get an account for RUWireless?
Any Rutgers University student, staff or faculty member with a valid NetID (Eden, RCI, Pegasus, Clam, Andromeda, Crab user name) can log into RUWireless using that NetID and password.
- What wireless standards does RUWireless support?
RUWireless access points support the 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g standards
- Are Linux operating systems supported on RUWireless?
Linux operating systems are no longer supported in that no configuration details will be posted for them. You are welcome to configure a Linux computer to use RUWireless using the posted RUWireless settings.
- What happened to the Redhat v. 8.0 configuration details?
Since Redhat Linux is no longer a free operating system and RUWireless no longer requires encryption the decision was made to remove the Redhat Linux details. Linux users looking for some assistance are encouraged to browse the RUSLUG (Rutgers University Student Linux Users Group) web site.
- Should I install a firewall or turn on my built-in firewall to protect my laptop?
If you are not using a VPN that may be a good idea. It is relatively easy to use the built-in firewalls in Windows XP and Mac OS X when you are not using a VPN and they do provide valuable protection against other wireless hosts using RUWireless. Please note that the wireless gateways that control your access to RUWireless also act as powerful firewalls to protect you against hosts on the other side of the gateway. If you are using a VPN the configuration of a firewall can be far more complicated and in some cases impossible.
- How do I get RUWireless installed in my department/building?
Through a combination of ICI, ELF and RUCS funding, the RUWireless group has deployed a wireless network for the Rutgers community in the New Brunswick area campuses. The RUWireless service is made available to departments on a contractual basis. To learn about having RUWireless installed in your department please contact us by e-mail at installations@ruwireless.rutgers.edu for more information.
General RUWired Questions
- How do I get an account for RUWired?
Any Rutgers University student, staff or faculty member with a valid NetID (Eden, RCI, Pegasus, Clam, Andromeda, Crab user name) can log into RUWired using that NetID and password.
- Are Linux operating systems supported on RUWired?
Linux operating systems are no longer supported in that no configuration details will be posted for them. You are welcome to configure a Linux computer to use RUWired by configuring it to use DHCP for TCP/IP settings.
- Why is the RUWired connection slower than a lab or dorm connection?
RUWired uses a QOS bandwidth limitation to provide a fair level of service to all users. The equipment that controls your session on RUWired is limited as to how much throughput it can sustain, so throttling the connection speed is a fair way to divide the available bandwidth. RUWired is also provided as a convenience and is not intended to be used for bandwidth intensive applications.
- Should I install a firewall or turn on my built-in firewall to protect my laptop?
There is no harm in using a software firewall on your laptop to protect it against unauthorized access from other users of RUWired. Please note that the wireless gateways that control your access to RUWired also act as powerful firewalls to protect you against hosts on the other side of the gateway.
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