Suffolk County Community College

Wireless FAQs


What do I need to begin using wireless?

To connect to the wireless network, you will need:

A laptop or other device equipped with built-in wireless networking or a wireless network card.

 

What operating systems can I use?

You can connect to the SCCC wireless network with either a Windows-based or Macintosh computer.

Compatible Macintosh Operating Systems:

  • Mac OS 9.x
  • Mac OS X.x

Compatible Windows Operating Systems:

  • Windows 95
  • Windows 98 and 98SE
  • Windows NT 4.0
  • Windows 2000
  • Windows XP

 

How do I register my wireless device with SCCC?

Wireless access has been set up on all three campuses. When you sign on to Faculty access or to MYSCCC, click on the link REGISTER FOR ON-CAMPUS WIRELESS NETWORK ACCESS to establish wireless connectivity. You will need to know your I.D. Number, Operating system on your laptop, and the MAC address of your laptop

 

Faculty Access

 

Student Portal

Follow these directions:

Registration Directions for Students

 

Is the system secure?

SCCC uses MAC authentication to ensure that only registered users may use the wireless network.  However, please be aware that the wireless access network does not contain any special security systems preventing virus or worm propagation.  As such, individuals need to be running a current virus protection package on their equipment and need to be up to date with their operating system and application patches. The college is not responsible for any damage to equipment that may occur while connecting to the college network.  

 

Please use discretion to safeguard personal information. 

 

Can I use a wireless network card that is not on the list of approved cards?

Yes. You may use any 802.11b or 802.11g compatible card.

 

What can I do when connected to a wireless network?

You can use wireless for email, Web browsing, chatting and any student service provided through the portal. You should not use wireless for streaming audio/video, very large downloads or viewing extremely graphic-intensive web sites. Refer to SCCC Wireless Access Policy and the College’s IT Policy and Guidelines

 

Can anybody connect to SCCC wireless networks?

No. You must be a current student or employee of SCCC to use the wireless network.  You must register your device through the following link in your respective portal.  

 

How do I know if I'm connected?

You can check your network connectivity status by looking at the Status and Activity indicators on the wireless PC Card Antenna. The Status light will blink when a connection is made. The Activity light will blink when data is transmitted.  If you have built-in wireless technology or if the network card does not have an antenna, check the properties tab of your network control panel.

 

Can I access SCCC wireless networks with my PDA?

Yes. Any 802.11b or g compatible device may be used on the SCCC wireless network, providing the registration sheet has been filled out with the appropriate information.   PDA users need to manually enter the SSID for connectivity.

 

What areas are covered?
Please see the Coverage Map  page found on this site.  We will periodically be adding coverage areas in stages.  The coverage map will reflect any such changes.  You may find that access to the wireless network extends outside the physical building.  However, no guarantee of outside coverage. 

 

In addition, please be aware that the wireless access network is not a guaranteed service and neither bandwidth or availability is assured, even in the coverage locations listed.

 

I already have a laptop. What do I need to buy to use the wireless network?
If the laptop does not have an onboard wireless card you will need to purchase is a wireless card that is 802.11b or 802.11g compliant.

 

Where can I buy a wireless card?
You may buy a compatible wireless card anywhere computer peripherals and accessories are sold.

 

Can I use a Macintosh laptop on the wireless network?
Yes.  However, like a PDA, you must manually enter the SSID in the appropriate place.

 

Where do I go for assistance and information?

 Login to student portal – use service request form to explain the problem and location of problem.  Please include the MAC address of your wireless device to verify that it is valid.  If this has already been done then click here for further instructions

 

What do I do if I am registered and am still unable to connect?

If you have done the initial troubleshooting from the previous step and are still having difficulties, the campus Academic Computing Centers are available as information resources for your wireless needs.