Frequently asked questions
If you have a specific question about the wireless project that is not covered below, please get in touch - wireless@abdn.ac.uk - we will add your question (and the answer!) to our list.
General | ResNet | Eduroam | UoA Corporate | guestweb
General
- What is the wireless networking service?
- Can I access the service anywhere on campus?
- There are four services – what are the differences and which should I use?
- What is the minimum laptop/PC spec?
- Is there anything I should not use the wireless networks for?
- How secure is the wireless service?
- How fast is the wireless connection?
- Can PDAs/iPhones/iPads connect to the wireless service?
- Where will I find information about connecting to the service?
- What if I don’t have a WiFi card?
- Do the radio frequency (RF) emissions from the wireless system pose a health risk?
- Can members of the general public use the wireless service?
- Can I connect my Mac laptop to the service?
- Do I need to set a proxy on my web browser to access external web pages?
- Does the DIT provide support for the wireless service?
- What were the objectives of the project to make Aberdeen a wireless campus?
1. What is the wireless networking service?
A centrally-managed wireless network service that allows registered users* encrypted and secure access to the internet-based resources from the University and the wider internet – 24/7, 365 days a year. You may also access your University filespace via the University's Virtual Private Network (VPN)- see our VPN web pages for more.
*Notes: You will only be able to access the wireless network with a valid university username and password. These are issued to you at the time of registration for computing facilities at the University. For more about registration, see:
- Staff - Fact sheet G02: An Introduction to Computing Services Quick Reference
- Students - Fact sheet GC02: Notes for Students using Computing Facilities
Visitors to the University with Guest accounts may access the guestweb service. The guestweb service is not secure.
2. Can I access the service anywhere on campus?
Most University academic, administrative and residential buildings on the Old Aberdeen, Foresterhill and Hillhead campuses will benefit from wireless access. However, there may be limited coverage in some areas, e.g. toilets, stairwells, sports halls, changing rooms, etc.
Please let us know if you experience any problems with wireless reception by contacting the Service Desk. We can't fix it if we don't know about it! See our news item Problems with wireless reception?
3. There are four services – what are the differences and which should I use?
Below is a brief summary of each service. For FAQs about each service, follow the links.
- ResNet – available in University student halls of residence
Note: ResNet is also available as a wired service in Hillhead's New Carnegie Court, Fyfe, Wavell, and Adam Smith halls (Aberdeen) and the Halls of Residence at Raigmore Hospital (Inverness). - Eduroam – the default campus service, available on all campuses for all staff, students and visitors
Note: Eduroam is also available as a wired service at assigned desks within the new Library (September 2011). - UoA Corporate – for users with University-owned laptops and specific business needs
- guestweb - for visitors to the University who have a University Guest account. Note this is an unsecure network.
4. What is the minimum laptop/PC spec?
- Wireless card (802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g with appropriate drivers) supporting WPA and TKIP, OR Working USB port for USB WiFi stick
- Up to date Anti Virus software, e.g. Sophos
- Windows XP with Service Pack 2
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4
- Mac OS 10.3 and above
- Windows Vista
5. Is there anything I should not use the wireless networks for?
When using the wireless networks you are bound by our regular Conditions for using IT facilities.
When using ResNet, you are bound by additional Guidelines for Using ResNet.
Specifically, the wireless network should not be used for anything that:-
- is illegal
- is commercial
- poses a security risk
- could cause a denial of service
Please remember that the wireless network is shared and is therefore not intended for use by high bandwidth applications such as streaming audio/video, large file transfers/downloads, interactive graphic environments/games, etc. Such usage may impede the quality and speed of service for others.
6. How secure is the wireless service?
Your data is encrypted as it passes through the wireless network. However, you should be aware that no encryption is 100% secure.
In addition, you must ensure that you have some form of anti-virus software installed and kept up-to-date. Staff and students of the University of Aberdeen are permitted to install our site licensed Sophos Anti-Virus software on their own PCs. See www.abdn.ac.uk/dit/antivirus for more.
Note: the guestweb service is unsecure.
7. How fast is the wireless connection?
Each wireless access point supports the wireless standards 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g, allowing network speeds of up to 54Mbps (megabits per second) for 802.11a and 802.11g, and 11Mbps for 802.11b.
In reality, the speed at which you can connect to the wireless network will depend on a number of factors:
- how close you are to a wireless access point
- the number of other users on the same wireless access point
- the speed at which other users on the same wireless point are connected
For example, if you are close to a wireless access point and there are no other users on the same access point, you can expect a connection speed of 30 to 40 Mbps. As you get further from the wireless access point and/or if others are using the same access point, the connection speed may drop to 1 or 2Mbps (or anything in between, depending on the circumstances).
ResNet: In order to manage network congestion in halls of residence, traffic shaping and traffic limiting has been introduced to the ResNet. This will limit the bandwidth allowed for each user, and certain types of data traffic will be restricted.
8. Can PDAs/iPhones connect to the wireless service?
Yes, PDAs can be configured to connect. Instructions on how to connect are available on our Configure your device web page.
The iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad can also connect to the Eduroam, ResNet and guestweb wireless services. (See our instructions for auto configuration of your iPhone or iPad for Eduroam.)
9. Where will I find information about connecting to the service?
Fact sheets providing step by step instructions on connecting to Eduroam, ResNet and UoA Corporate are available on these web pages - see Documentation and Guides.
Visitors to the University do not need to configure their laptop to use the guestweb service.
10. What if I don’t have a WiFi card?
The DIT recommended USB wireless stick is the Digitus Wireless LAN USB 2.0 Adapter. These are available from the Hub shop and the Hillhead shop, priced ~£17.99.
11. Do the radio frequency (RF) emissions from the wireless system pose a health risk?
The Health Protection Agency states:
"On the basis of current evidence, the HPA does not consider there to be a problem with the safety of WLAN." [read more]
12. Can members of the general public use the wireless service?
No. They may be able to see it on a WiFi enabled laptop/PC but will not be able to logon without a University of Aberdeen userid and password.
13. Can I connect my Mac laptop to the service?
Yes. A fact sheet providing step by step instructions on connecting your Mac to the wireless network is available on this web site - see Configure your device.
14. Do I need to use a proxy on my web browser to access external web pages?
Yes, you will still need to use a proxy.
Further information on how to configure your web browser to use the proxy is on the central Proxy pages at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/proxy/wireless.shtml
15. Does DIT provide support for the wireless service?
Documentation providing instructions on how to connect to the wireless networks are provided on this site - see our Configure your device page. In addition, our wireless help web pages aim to provide help and assistance in connecting to the wireless services at the University of Aberdeen.
16. What were the objectives of the project to make Aberdeen a wireless campus?
The main objectives of the wireless project, which saw over 900 wireless access points installed across our campuses, were:
- to benefit students by facilitating different modes of learning and enabling access to more flexible methods of study
- to allow academics to develop innovative ways of designing course material and provide new ways for students to access them.
Paul Haley, Director of Information Technology, further outlined the University’s objectives:
"Our wireless initiative is one of a series of projects which are aimed to ensure that the University of Aberdeen is at the forefront of the utilisation of information technology. Although we are an ancient institution, our adoption of the latest innovations in communications is indicative of our commitment to the future. Our students deserve the very best technological environment in which to study and it is our firm intention to ensure that this is the case." [Paul Haley, June 2007]
ResNet
- What is ResNet?
- I'm staying in non-university accommodation (e.g. Hunter Court, Spring Gardens, Liberty House). Can I access ResNet?
- How much does the ResNet service cost?
- Are there any areas in the halls of residence where I can’t access the ResNet Service?
- What restrictions are there on the service?
- How secure is the ResNet service?
- How fast is the wireless connection?
- What is the minimum laptop/PC spec?
- I have Windows Vista on my laptop – will I be able to connect to the ResNet service?
- Where will I find information about connecting to ResNet?
- I have a desktop PC, not a laptop. Can I still use the ResNet service?
- My mobile phone has internet access. Can I connect to the ResNet service using my phone?
A room level service for students in University residences - Hillhead, Crombie Johnston, and Elphinstone Road Halls.
ResNet is also available as a wired service in Hillhead's New Carnegie Court, Fyfe, Wavell, and Adam Smith halls (Aberdeen) and the Halls of Residence at Raigmore Hospital (Inverness).
2. I'm staying in non-university accommodation (e.g. Hunter Court, Spring Gardens, Liberty House). Can I access ResNet?
No. However, your provider may provide internet access through which you can access University resources, e.g. Shibboleth, Library catalogue. Contact individual providers for more information.
- Liberty House
- UNITE - Spring Gardens, King St Exchange, The Old Fire Station, Mealmarket Exchange
- Hunter Court, Coopers Court
3. How much does the ResNet service cost?
The ResNet service is free of charge.
4. Are there any areas in the halls of residence where I can’t access the ResNet Service?
The service is designed to supply cover for each bedroom. Communal areas sited close to wireless access points may also pick up the wireless signal.
5. What restrictions are there on the service?
When using the wireless networks you are bound by our regular Conditions for using IT facilities. In addition, users should read our Guidelines for using ResNet.
Specifically, the wireless network should not be used for anything that:-
- is illegal
- is commercial
- poses a security risk
- could cause a denial of service
Please remember that the wireless network is shared and is therefore not intended for use by high bandwidth applications such as streaming audio/video, large file transfers/downloads, interactive graphic environments/games, etc. Such usage may impede the quality and speed of service for others.
In order to manage network congestion in halls of residence, traffic shaping and traffic limiting has been introduced to the ResNet. This will limit the bandwidth allowed for each user, and certain types of data traffic will be restricted.
6. How secure is the ResNet service?
Your data is encrypted as it passes through the wireless network. However, you should be aware that no encryption is 100% secure.
In addition, you must ensure that you have some form of anti-virus software installed and kept up-to-date. Staff and students of the University of Aberdeen are permitted to install our site licensed Sophos Anti-Virus software on their own PCs. See www.abdn.ac.uk/dit/antivirus for more.
7. How fast is the wireless connection?
8. What is the minimum laptop/PC spec?
- Wireless card (802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g with appropriate drivers) supporting WPA and TKIP, OR Working USB port for USB WiFi stick
- Up to date Anti Virus software, e.g. Sophos
- Windows XP with Service Pack 2
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4
- Mac OS 10.3 and above
- Windows Vista
9. I have Windows Vista on my laptop – will I be able to connect to the ResNet service?
Yes. See Configure your device.
10. Where will I find information about connecting to ResNet?
Fact sheets providing step by step instructions on connecting to both the wireless and wired ResNet services are available on these web pages - see Configure your device.
11. I have a desktop PC, not a laptop. Can I still use the ResNet service?
Yes, provided your desktop PC has an internal WiFi card.
Alternatively, you can use a USB WiFi stick to connect. We recommended the Digitus Wireless LAN USB 2.0 Adapter - available from the Hub shop and the Hillhead shop, priced ~£17.99.
Note: If you are staying in Hillhead's New Carnegie Court, Fyfe, Wavell, and Adam Smith halls (Aberdeen) or the Halls of Residence at Raigmore Hospital (Inverness), you can connect to the wired ResNet service. See our configuration Guides for details on how to get connected.
12. My mobile phone has internet access. Can I connect to the ResNet service using my phone?
In theory, if your mobile supports 802.1X, then yes; however, access to the ResNet service via mobile phones is not currently supported by DIT.
The iPhone can also connect to the Eduroam and ResNet wireless services.
Eduroam
- What is Eduroam?
- What do I need to access the Aberdeen Eduroam service?
- How much does it cost?
- Where can I access the Eduroam service?
- What is the minimum laptop spec?
- I have Windows Vista on my laptop – will I be able to connect to the Eduroam service?
- What can I do when connected to the Eduroam service?
- What restrictions are there on the service?
- Where will I find information about connecting to Eduroam?
- Who can access the Eduroam service?
- I’m a visitor staying in King’s Hall. Will I be able to access the wireless service?
- Who provides support for Eduroam?
Eduroam (Education Roaming) is a location independent wireless network that allows for inter-institutional roaming. The Eduroam federation currently comprises 23 European countries, Australia and Taiwan. Within the UK, Eduroam is a JANET(UK) initiative and is delivered by the JANET Roaming Service.
At Aberdeen, Eduroam provides staff and students with authenticated access to Aberdeen's network for their personal laptop or PDA. Simply logon using your own username and password, whether on campus or when visiting other institutions participating in the Eduroam service.
Similarly, Eduroam allows visitors from participating institutions to gain access to their own home network when visiting Aberdeen by using credentials provided by their home organisation.
Visitors to the University who have been issued with a University Guest account may also access Eduroam while on campus.
2. What do I need to access the Aberdeen Eduroam service?
You must be an authenticated member of Aberdeen University or of an institution that participates in the JANET Roaming Service, and must have a laptop/PC with a WiFi card.
The Eduroam service is free of charge.
4. Where can I access the Eduroam service?
You can access the Eduroam service at the University of Aberdeen, and when visiting participating institutions. Follow the links below to view the countries and associated institutions currently connected to Eduroam.
You can easily locate eduroam-enabled sites via a FREE app for the iPhone and iPad. eduroam companion helps you locate your nearest eduroam point by visualising the central database of eduroam-enabled facilities on a map and provides you with the information you will need to connect to the service. Download the app from iTunes.
Note: If you intend using the Eduroam service whilst visiting another participating institution, you must configure your laptop for the site you are visiting before you go. Fact sheets providing step by step instructions on connecting to Eduroam will be available on this web site soon. If in any doubt, contact the DIT Service Desk.
Visitors who have been issued with a Guest account may only access Eduroam during their stay on the University of Aberdeen campus.
5. What is the minimum laptop spec?
- Wireless card (802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g with appropriate drivers) supporting WPA and TKIP, OR Working USB port for USB WiFi stick
- Up to date Anti Virus software, e.g. Sophos
- Windows XP with Service Pack 2
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4
- Mac OS 10.3 and above
- Windows Vista
6. I have Windows Vista on my laptop – will I be able to connect to the Eduroam service?
Yes. See Configure your device.
7. What can I do when connected to the Eduroam service?
You will have secure internet access via your Web browser, just as you would at a desktop or classroom PC. This will enable you to connect to the Staff and Student portals, e-journals and e-resources, WebCT, and to read e-mail via Outlook Web Access or Studentmail. Authorised members of staff may also access MIS systems such as Student Records and QSP.
In addition, University of Aberdeen users will be able to use e-mail clients such as Outlook or Eudora, and will be able to print to classroom printers.
The Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides you with secure, authenticated access to University resources and to your H: drive over the wireless networks Eduroam and ResNet. See our dedicated VPN web pages for more about setting up and using the VPN.
You will not be able to open a telnet connection via the wireless network.
Direct connection to SMTP servers from the University networks is not permitted. This is to prevent spammers and viruses from using the University to launch attacks. You have the option to relay mail through the University's e-mail servers or use an authenticated mail protocol, such as SMTPS.
Note: Visitors to Aberdeen from other Eduroam institutions will have internet access via the minimum Eduroam service as defined by JANET. For full details of the Eduroam service, see the JANET Roaming Service User Guide at www.eduroam.ac.uk/documents/JRSUserguidev2.doc
8. What restrictions are there on the service?
9. Where will I find information about connecting to Eduroam?
Fact sheets providing step by step instructions on connecting to the Eduroam service are available on this web site - see Configure your device.
10. Who can access the Eduroam service?
University of Aberdeen users and users from other Eduroam institutions; visitors to the University of Aberdeen who have been issued with a Guest account.
11. I’m a visitor staying in King’s Hall. Will I be able to access the wireless service?
All rooms within King's Hall benefit from wireless internet access.
Guests should request a Guest account at least three working days prior to arrival. Your Guest account username and password will be issued upon check-in. To request a Guest account, please contact your University host, or the DIT Service Desk.
For more information about Guest accounts, please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/dit/staff/help/guestaccounts.
Note: It is not necessary to apply for a Guest account if you are visiting from an institution that participates in the Eduroam service and you have your own wireless enabled laptop - you can connect to the Eduroam wireless service using credentials provided by your home organisation.
See our Information for Visitors web page for more information.
12. Who provides support for Eduroam?
For University of Aberdeen staff and students DIT provides Eduroam support - whether you are on campus or visiting another Eduroam institution. If you have difficulty connecting to the Eduroam service whilst visiting another institution, contact the DIT Service Desk.
For visitors it is the responsibility of their home institution to provide support while accessing Eduroam at the University of Aberdeen.
UoA Corporate
- How does UoA Corporate differ from the Eduroam service?
- When should I use UoA Corporate?
- What are the benefits of UoA Corporate?
- What do I need to access UoA Corporate?
- Where will I find information about connecting to UoA Corporate?
- What is the speed of UoA Corporate?
1. How does UoA Corporate differ from the Eduroam service?
UoA Corporate provides staff with University owned laptops the same level of access as a wired connection.
2. When should I use UoA Corporate?
For most staff, and in most cases, Eduroam will be the most appropriate service to use.
The UoA Corporate service is only available in special circumstances where the required access is not available through the Eduroam service. The service can only be accessed when on campus.
3. What are the benefits of UoA Corporate?
The level of access is the same as it would be for a networked, desktop PC.
4. What do I need to access UoA Corporate?
You must have a UoA owned laptop that has been setup by the PC Setup service, and must be in the UOA domain.
5. Where will I find information about connecting to UoA Corporate?
Fact sheets providing step by step instructions on connecting to the UoA Corporate service are available on this web site - see Configure your device.
Note: The automatic configuration tool is not suitable for UoA Corporate.
6. What is the speed of UoA Corporate?
guestweb
- What is guestweb?
- How does gueustweb differ from the other wireless services on campus?
- Where will I find information about connecting to UoA Corporate?
The guestweb wireless service provides visitors who have a University Guest account with quick and easy internet access while on campus - without the need to configure their laptop.
Note: Guest accounts are computer accounts set up specifically for short term use by non-University of Aberdeen users.
1. How does guestweb differ from the other wireless services on campus?
guestweb is a restricted service providing access to public web pages and web-based email only. guestweb is an unsecured service.
3. Where will I find information about connecting to guestweb?
Find out more about guestweb and how to connect on the Information for Visitors section of this website.