1. What wireless standard are you using at the university? At Charleston Southern University we currently use a variation of 802.11b, and 802.11g and we are currently in the process of upgrading to 802.11n in areas that require and increased level of wireless coverage.

2. Is the newer 802.11n standard compatible with your current network?Yes the newer 802.11n equipment is backward compatible with the 802.11g standard. You will however, still connect at the 802.11g transmission rates.

3. Does the wireless Internet service and/or hardware cost anything for the students? No, the wireless Internet service and hardware are provided free of charge to all students.

4. Can Commuter and other non-resident students connect to the wireless network? Yes, non-resident students can connect to the network providing they have the properly configured equipment and are physically on the CSU campus. Any commuter needing help should stop by the Communications Center or contact Mike Onorato, Wireless Administrator at 843-863-7762. More information is available here.

5. If I buy equipment and live off campus I can get free Internet service? If you are a non-resident student we allow you to access our network while on campus. The university’s wireless system will not work any other place but the university. To receive Internet access off of campus you will need to make arrangements with a service provider of your choice.

6. Do I need to have anything special on my computer so that I can connect? No as long as you have a 802.11g wireless card you should be able to connect as long as your settings are correct. You will also need a current updateable copy of virus scan software on your computer. Wireless equipment and virus scan software is available in the university bookstore. The following antivirus applications are supported: Norton/Symantec, AVG, Microsoft Security Essentials, McAfee, Trend Micro, Kaspersky Antivirus, and Sophos.

7. Do I need to have a new computer in order to have it work here at CSU? No you do not need to buy a new machine for our equipment to work. You need to have Windows 98 or newer for the equipment we sell to work.

8. If my computer has an integrated 802.11b\g\n device will I need to get equipment from the school?
If your computer already has an integrated wireless card you will not need to purchase a device. We will help to configure integrated devices so that they communicate with our network. You will be responsible for having virus scan software.

9. If I buy a new machine what kind of computer do you recommend? Administrative Services does not make recommendations on brand, speed, price, or type of computer. We do ask that when you purchase a new system that you also get the support options with it. More than likely you will have to contact the manufacturer support services during the time that you are here at the University. For more information on selecting a computer please click here.

10. What if I already have a device that is not integrated into my computer? If you have a device that you would like to use then you certainly can but we will not support it. Information is available so that you can configure it to connect to our network.

11. Do I need a certain computer in order to receive Internet access? No, any brand of computer that is Window's based will work with our system. Apple machines will have very limited support. Linux based computer systems will not be supported by our campus services.

12. What operating systems will work with the wireless network? Windows 7 (32-bit & 64-bit), Vista (32-bit & 64-bit),98, ME, 2000, and XP will all be acceptable for use with our system. Windows 95 cannot be supported. If you have Windows 95 you will need to have your computer upgraded in order to have Internet access on your computer. Mac OS is also supported by the network.

13. What brand of Wireless hardware are you using at the university? We use the equipment manufactured by 3Com, Avaya, Orinoco, Lucent, and Agere wireless hardware.

14. Will I still be able to use my dial-up service from home when I get here? No, you will not be able to use your dial-up services (AOL, MSN, Earthlink, etc.). You must go through the school's system to access the Internet. All the dial-up numbers for other ISP's will be blocked.

15. Why do you block the outgoing lines for my dial-up services? The school blocks the outgoing lines for dial-up providers because they consume all the outgoing lines for the campus. When all the lines are taken up then you will not be able to call out and your parents/loved one's will not be able to call in.

16. Can I bring my cable/DSL modem from home to my residence hall room and use it? No, your cable/DSL modem from home will not work on campus.

17. Can I purchase cable/DSL modem service from the local cable provider in your area? No, you may not purchase a cable/DSL modem from the local cable provider.

18. Can I bring my "all in one" (access point, router, switch, print server) wireless device from my house so I can hook up all my friends to the network? No, you may not bring in your home networking equipment to the campus and expect it to work. If you do, you will disrupt your Internet service and service of other students.

19. I have an Ethernet card already in my computer why can't I use that to access the Internet? The campus wireless Internet service does not use the Ethernet card to interface with your computer. Therefore, you will need to use a wireless device to access the Internet.

20. Can I host my website when I get to my residence hall room? No, you may not host your website on campus. You will need to find another option for your web hosting needs.

21. I heard that you cannot download music when you're on the campus network is this true? Yes, that is true given the music is downloaded from an illegal or unfamiliar source. The school blocks all music download programs and other Peer-to-Peer file sharing utilities. These include programs such as Limewire, Ares, Frostwire, and various BitTorrent programs. We do this because these sites are illegal and we cannot support piracy. You can however download music, podcasts and other forms of media via reputable sources such as iTunes.

22. I pay a fee every month so that I can access certain things on the Internet such as games, files sharing software, and music, can I access them? CSU does not actively block these things however, we also do not guarantee that they will work while here on campus. It is best not to sign up for anything until you know it will currently work with our network. Please do not expect us to modify our system to accommodate your purchase.

23. I have an email account (work, personal) and I cannot get it to work, will CSU get it to work for me? Charleston Southern University will not support any kind of Email except for the Bucmail system. Any other account that you have must be supported by the organization from which you have the account. We do not guarantee that your mail program/account will work with our system. We suggest that you use Bucmail since all registered students are pre-enrolled in the system.

24. When I arrive at school who will set up my computer and make sure all my equipment is working? Administrative Services will only ensure that you have a correctly installed and configured wireless device. All other computer equipment setup is the responsibility of the student. The university should not be expected to configure your printer, webcam, scanner, or computer to run properly. We will also be unable to install or configure your wireless device until the PC is setup.

25. Will my cordless phone effect my wireless connection? Your cordless phone will not effect your wireless connection unless it is a 2.4ghz cordless phone. These phones use the same frequency as the wireless network. They will disturb the service of your computer and the other computers around you. (If you have one of these phones please be respectful and get another phone besides a 2.4ghz cordless model).

26. What areas of the campus have wireless capabilities? The areas that have wireless access are all the residence halls, the L. Mendel Rivers Library, the Brewer Center, the Strom Thurmond Center, Lightsey Chapel, Hunter Reception Center, the baseball field and all classrooms on campus.

27. Can I go out by the duck pond or other areas on campus and receive access? Wireless access is available in all buildings on campus and in most of the common areas and all classrooms.

28. Where is the Wireless Administrator office located? The Wireless Administrator office is located in the Communications Center, Building 202, next to the pool.

29. I heard that CSU would provide access for students in their apartments/houses off campus is this true? No, Charleston Southern is not an Internet Service Provider. We cannot provide you access anywhere but on the campus itself. If you would like to have internet access in your apartment/home you will need to contact an ISP (AOL, MSN, Bellsouth, Comcast, ect.) and make arrangements with them to get internet access for your off campus residence.

30. I went to the mall and tired to access the Internet and it will not work why? Charleston Southern University’s wireless network (student Internet) is only available within the campus buildings. You must be at CSU with a properly configured card in order to access the Internet.

31. Who do I contact if I have any further questions about the Wireless Internet service here at Charleston Southern University? If you have any further questions please feel free to contact Mike Onorato, Wireless Administrator by phone 843-863-7762