Wireless @ USM

USM provides 802.11G wireless network access in many buildings on the Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston-Auburn Campuses. The wireless network is provided as a supplement to the existing wired network at USM, not as a replacement. The wireless network is best suited for web browser based activities like "web surfing" or checking email via browser based methods like USM's GroupWise WebAccess or UNET's Horde. There may be some resources that are accessible via USM's wired network that are not accessible via USM's Wireless Network.

Read on for important information on coverage area, hardware requirements, and instructions on how to connect.

Security Warning

Wireless networks by their nature are not secure. You should not use the wireless network for activities that involve the transfer of sensitive data like usernames and passwords, or the viewing of websites, emails or files containing private information, unless such transfers are protected by encryption like SSL. Some signs that you are using SSL encryption is if the URL of the website begins with "https" instead of "http", as well, most web browsers will have a padlock icon that appears somewhere at the bottom of the browser window when your connection is encrypted.

Reliable methods for securing wireless networks are currently being developed. It is USM's intention to implement a secure wireless network sometime in the future.

Wireless Coverage

Many, but not all, buildings on the Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston-Auburn Campuses are covered by USM's Wireless Network. See a list of covered buildings.

Hardware Requirements

USM's Wireless Network is an 802.11G network, or what is commonly called a WiFi, or in the Apple world, AirPortExtreme, network. This is the industry standard for wireless local area networks. In order to use this network you need to have a computer or PDA that is equipped with a wireless network card that is compliant with the 802.11G or 802.11B standards. If you are purchasing a new card buy an 802.11G card, not an 802.11B card, and do not buy USB wireless network cards. We have found that many USB wireless network cards have difficulty connecting to enterprise wireless networks like ours. Wireless network cards can be purchased from any computer retailer, including the University's Logic Shop located in Luther Bonney Hall. Follow the manufacturer's instruction for the installation of the wireless network card.

Connecting to USM's Wireless Network

Below are links to some specific instructions for connecting to USM's Wireless Network using the software built into the Windows XP and PocketPC 2003 operating systems, and the Apple OSX and OS9 operating systems. Many wireless card or computer manufacturers provide their own program for managing wireless network connections. If you are not using one of the four operating systems listed above you will need to use the manufacturer provided software. If you are using a program provided by your wireless card or computer manufacturer please consult the manufacturer's instructions on the use of their program along with the general information below on connecting to USM's Wireless Network.

General Information on Connecting to USM's Wireless Network

To connect to USM's Wireless Network, you generally will need to know two things:

The "SSID" of USM's Wireless Network is "tempest".
USM's Wireless Network is not secure.

An SSID is a unique name that identifies a wireless network. The configuration software for your wireless network card may ask you for this or, when you are in a building covered by USM's Wireless Network, present you with a message that a wireless network named tempest is available. This is USM's Wireless Network.

Since USM's Wireless Network is not secure, you will need to be sure that WEP encryption is disabled in order to connect. How this is done will vary depending on the program you are using to configure your wireless connection.

If you have trouble, take a look at some troubleshooting tips.

For further information or problems with this page, contact: helpdesk@usm.maine.edu