Wireless Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I gain wireless access to USC Network?
   You can gain wireless access to the USC Network from most outdoor common areas, libraries, auditoriums, on campus eateries and the University Village Food Court. See a list of wireless locations.

2. What computer platforms can I use to gain wireless access to the USC Network?
   Currently, ITS supports Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Mac OS X.

3. Do I have to register my wireless card Ethernet address first?
   Although you are not required to register your wireless card Ethernet address, we highly recommend that you register.

4. Will I be able to use a 802.11n wireless card?
   Yes. The USC wireless network is based on the 802.11g protocol, and 802.11n is backwards compatible with all 802.11a, b and g networks.

5. I am a visitor at the university. How can I gain access to USC Wireless network?
   The USC wireless network is open to all visitors. There is no login or account required.

6. Do I need the VPN client to get connected?
   You need to log in via VPN client if you want to access restricted USC resources or to engage in Internet activities besides web browsing and email. For regular Internet usage, you do not need to run the VPN client to get connected. However, ITS strongly recommends that you run the VPN client whenever you connect, as the VPN offers security for your network traffic.

7. How secure is wireless access to the USC Network?
   USC wireless network in not encrypted in any way; your data and personal information are not secure. You are responsible for protecting your information. For greater security, we advise that you use the VPN client software.

8. How long will each wireless session last?
   Users are required to acknowledge acceptance of USC's wireless policies once every 24-hour period. Access to USC's wireless network is free to all users; no account is required however users must accept USC's wireless policies to access the USC wireless network.

9. Can a cell phone interrupt my connection?
   A cell phone probably will not interrupt your connection, however there are cordless phones and microwave ovens that operate within the same frequency range as the USC wireless network (2.4 GHz and up). These can cause interference with your connection.

10. What else can interrupt my connection?
    Connecting to USC wireless uses radio waves. Things that interfere with radio can also interfere with your wireless access. The largest offenders are objects containing water. Wood, people, fish tanks, and walls all can cause the signal to be interrupted or lessened. If you experience a connection problem, try moving to a different part of the room or within sight of the wireless access point.

11. Which wireless Ethernet cards does ITS recommend I use?
    The only two cards ITS supports are Enterasys High-Rate Roam About PC card or Apple's Airport card. Both can be purchased at the University Bookstore. For unsupported wireless cards please see ITS's Unsupported Wireless Cards web page. Other cards and built-in wireless hardware will work on USC's network, but ITS does not provide support for installing or configuring them.

12. Does USC wireless support 128-bit encryption?
    At this time, USC wireless does not support 128-bit encryption on its network.

13. Will Bluetooth transmissions interfere with my wireless connection?
    Bluetooth transmits in the same frequency range as the USC wireless network so it is possible that the transmissions may interfere with each other.

14. What do I do if I am blocked from the USC network for Dell Singleclick port scanning?
    Dell Singleclick refers to the scanning features of the Dell QuickSet and Dell Remote Access programs that come pre-installed on new Dell laptops and can cause severe slowdowns on the USC network. If your connection to the USC network has been blocked for singleclick port scanning, please visit Disabling Dell QuickSet's Wi-Fi Catcher and Disabling Dell Remote Access, and follow the steps to disable the scanning feature for each program. Once you have disabled the scanning features in both programs, call the Customer Support Center at 213-740-5555 to re-establish a connection to the USC network.

Last updated: Tuesday, September 08, 2009, 10:22AM PDT