Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 

INSTALLATION

I’m having a problem with setting up my wireless card, where can I get help?

You will need certain information for setting up the software for your wireless card. With your valid ITS username, you can go to the Wireless Access page to get the information or go to the ITS Help Desk. Make sure you are in an area that your computer can connect to a access point. Check with your wireless card manual on how to tell if you are getting connected to an access point as this differs from company to company. If you are still having problems go to the ITS Help Desk in Keller 105 for assistance.

I followed all of the instructions but the wireless still doesn't work.

If your notebook comes with a built-in wireless card there may be a button/switch to turn on and off the wireless. This feature allows you to turn off the wireless to extend the battery life of your notebook. Check your notebook documentation on how to use the built-in wireless.

My card is now working, now what to I do?

When in an area where you get a connection to a access point, start your browser (Netscape or Internet Explorer) and you should see a page "YOU ARE BEING CONNECTED" then the USG Authentication page. Enter your valid ITS username and password. You will have access to the network once you have completed authenticating .

 

What do I need to buy and how much will it cost to use the UH Manoa Wireless Network?

You will need to purchase a wireless card that conforms to 802.11b specifications that is Wi-Fi certified. We are recommending the Orinoco cards as this has proven to perform the best with our access points. We are working with vendors to find cards at reduced costs. Students and departments may purchase Orinoco (Silver or Gold) cards for under $100 via the State WSCA contract. GeminiTech, LLC is offering a Compaq OEM of the Orinoco Gold for under $100. Contact Jordan Wrenn for current pricing at GeminiTech, LLC at 843-1000. The UH Bookstore is selling the Orinoco Silver card (Note that the original Orinoco comes with drives to support both the PC and Macintosh).

For Apple powerbooks with the Airport slot, you can purchase the Airport card from the Apple Store, http://www.hawaii.edu/bkstore/Applestore.html, for under $100.

For Powerbooks without the Airport slot but have a PCMCIA slot, you can use the Orinoco card.
How much will a Wireless Network cost if I want to install it in my department?

There is no easy answer to this question. There are many factors which go into designing a Wireless Network such as the materials used in your building, area of coverage, the number of users, other wireless networks in the building, etc


What is i-Mode?

I-Mode was the world's first "smart phone" for Web browsing, first introduced in Japan in 1999

What is a hotspot?
A “hotspot” is an 802.11b wireless local area network that enables laptop and handheld users to connect to high speed Internet in public places such as cafes, hotels, waiting rooms, public parks, hotels etc.

What is SDR?
Software defined radio enables a wide range of devices to scan the airwaves for the best possible and most cost-effective method of connectivity

Can I create a wireless connection between two computers?
You can create an ad hoc wireless network between just two computers, each equipped with a Wi-Fi card, (peer to peer networking) This bypasses a central server (extra care has to be taken to prevent virus infection).

What is the difference between circuit and packet switching?
Circuit switching is used by public land line networks and 1G and 2G mobile phones. It provides a limited-duration, continuous point-to-point connection, using a dedicated data channel to transmit and receive data. During the duration of the connection, no one else can use the channel.
Packet switching is used by 2.5G and 3G networks and essentially provides an extension of the Internet. It uses short bursts of information that use a channel only for a short period of time. Wireless devices are assigned an IP-type address and are always on. The path that each packet takes is determined by routers and upon arrival at its destination, individual packets are put back into order by a packet assembler.

Packet switching allows higher call volumes and support for multimedia data applications such as video and photography.

How does packet switching work?
It uses spread-spectrum techniques to spread information over a much greater bandwidth than the original signal. ‘Frequency hopping’ was patented by Hedy Lamarr and George Antheil during World War 2 to steer torpedoes by sending signals over multiple radio frequencies to avoid detection by the enemy. It was rejected by war officials at the time, but taken up in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. 20 years later it was declassified and adopted by the Telecommunications Industry Association.

What is WAP?
The Wireless Application Protocol is a set of communication protocols to standardize the way that wireless devices can be used for internet access.

What is the advantage of using IR wireless?
IR wireless is the use of wireless technology in devices or systems that convey data through infrared (IR) radiation. Unlike radio-frequency (RF) wireless links, IR wireless cannot pass through walls. This seeming disadvantage however does have the advantage of being more private and secure than RF wireless. It is difficult to eavesdrop on a well-engineered, line-of-sight, IR laser communications link.

Used for example in home-entertainment control units, robot control systems etc.

What is the difference between a MNO and a MVNO?
A MNO (Mobile Network Operator) owns a mobile network

A MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) uses a network to rebrand and resell network minutes. Developing innovative services, often appealing to niche markets.
May operate as:
• Classic.. working independently with own switching center and HLR (Home location register)
• Enhanced service provider.. eg. working independently without switching center and HLR
• Enhanced reseller: acting as distribution channel for MNO
• Reseller: reselling subscriptions to customers





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