Wireless Service FAQ

• How fast is the wireless network?
• Is the wireless network secure?
• Do you have recommendations about wireless network adapters or other wireless equipment?
• Can I install my own wireless access point on campus?
• How can I request additional wireless coverage in my building?
• I have guests coming to campus who would like wireless access. What do they need to do?

How fast is the wireless network?

The speed depends on several factors, including your physical distance from our wireless access points, the type of building materials (walls, doors, floors) between the access point and your computer, and the type of wireless service you use.

OIT presently supports three generations of wireless protocols, including 802.11b, 802.11a/g, and most recently, 802.11n. We are now rolling out 802.11n coverage throughout campus, which increases the maximum capacity to more than 130Mbps -- 15x faster than most home broadband services.

Is the wireless network secure?

The Duke wireless network does not implement encryption. Therefore, traffic you send or receive may be seen by others using the network, especially those in your vicinity. We strongly recommend you use encrypted communications, such as HTTPS, secure IMAP, and secure FTP to prevent eavesdropping. More information about network security can be found in the NetIDs and Security section of this website.

Do you have recommendations about wireless network adapters or other wireless equipment?

We do not have specific vendor recommendations, however we provide some recommendations on the connection instructions page for wireless standards. Wireless adapters and similar equipment are available from most electronics stores.

To obtain the fastest connection speeds to the wireless network, we recommend that you utilize an "802.11a/b/g/n" wireless adapter. If you are purchasing a new mobile device or laptop, make sure that it supports these protocols.

Can I install my own wireless access point on campus?

Due to the potential for interference with the campus wireless network, as well as the possible security exposures that can result from personally installed wireless access points, we strongly discourage the use of personal access points on campus. This includes wireless routers, wireless bridges and similar products.

Furthermore, if configured improperly such devices can disrupt network connections for other users on both the wired and wireless networks. When we locate such misconfigured devices, we will remove them from the network until the problems have been resolved.

Caution: If you are using a wireless router, router, switch or hub (such as those made by Linksys, Netgear or D-Link), that contains WAN and LAN port(s), you should connect the WAN port to the campus network.

The use of a network switch or hub is permitted to share wired network connections.

How can I request additional wireless coverage in my building?

Most buildings on campus have ubiquitous wireless coverage at this time. If you are experiencing problems connecting to the wireless network in a particular area, please contact the OIT Help Desk to provide details. We will investigate and add capacity or coverage as needed.

I have guests coming to campus who would like wireless access. What do they need to do?

Initial login to the wireless network requires a Duke NetID and password. If you are associated with Duke, you can obtain a NetID for guest wireless access. For guest access, please contact the OIT Help Desk. All registrations for guest machines are deleted every Monday morning.