Add Wireless Capability

Most new machines come with wireless (WiFi, 802.11b/g) capability. Please verify that your machine does not have wireless capability before purchasing wireless hardware.

Why do I need wireless?

Wireless access is available in all academic buildings and most college-owned houses. For the convenience of access in the academic buildings, you will need wireless capability; with the exception of the library, Ethernet ports are not available for student use. You also must have wireless hardware to access the Internet from most college houses; Ethernet ports are not provided. Wireless, however, is not available in the dorms.

B or G?

There are currently two major wireless standards: 802.11b (11Mbps) and 802.11g (54 Mbps). They are compatible; g is simply a faster version of b. Earlham is beginning the process of upgrading the wireless network with new access points that will support the 802.11g standard. To take advantage of the faster connectivity, students should purchase wireless cards that support the 802.11g standard.

For Windows PCs

Most notebooks can add wireless via a PC card or a USB port. Most desktop PCs can add wireless through a PCI card or a USB port. Because of the simplicity of the solution (no hardware installation is necessary), a USB device is often the easiest way to add wireless to a machine. One such device is the Linksys 802.11b Wireless Notebook Adapter, which also works with desktops. (ECS does not specifically endorse Linksys or Amazon.com; this product is referenced only for the readers' convenience.) Wireless cards and adapters generally range from $20-50 and are usually purchased more cheaply from a major online vendor than a local store. ECS can assist students in installing wireless hardware; students are required to schedule an appointment, bring their machines to ECS, and remain with the machine while the hardware is installed. This installation is provided to students at no charge.

For Macs

If you have a Mac, the simplest way to add wireless to your computer is to buy an Airport card from Apple. These are generally relatively expensive ($70-$90), but few vendors sell adapters that work out-of-the-box with Apple computers.

Then what?

After you have purchased and installed your wireless hardware, you need to register to use Earlham wireless.