FAQ on CityU Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Service

What is a WLAN?

A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a flexible data communication system using radio frequency (RF) technology to transmit and receive data over the air. It can be integrated with existing campus network seamlessly and easily so that we can enjoy network computing without looking for a physical network port.

What are the advantages of using WLAN?

  • Provide broader network coverage.
  • Allows completely wireless connection (both network and power) when using laptop computers or any wi-fi device.
  • Users can access campus network in ordinary classrooms or common areas where network port is not available.
  • Provide network service where conventional network wiring is not possible or difficult.
  • Provide more scalable network service.

What are the limitations of using WLAN?

  • The actual data throughput of WLAN is less than that of the convention ethernet (wired) network and is on a shared base among concurrent users of an access point.

Which OS platforms are compatible with the CityU Wireless LAN environment?

Most modern Operating Systems with WPA/WP2 support or Web Browser installed are compatible with the CityU Wireless LAN environment.

Can I access the the CityU e-Portal with Wireless LAN?

Yes.

Where can I use the WLAN?

You can access the WLAN almost everywhere inside the campus. Currently more than 2800 Access Points are installed throughout the University to provide WLAN service. Area covered includes staff offices, classrooms, Lecture Theatres, the 4/F Podium, Student Canteen, Chinese Garden, Covered Terrace, Multi-function Halls of the Student Residence, etc.

What equipment is required to access the WLAN?

Any wi-fi device compliance to the IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n or ac standard. In general, most notebook computers and smartphones have been equipped with wireless connectivity.

You may visit http://www.cityu.edu.hk/csc/deptweb/facilities/ctnet/wlan/wlan-summary-sc.htm for the configuration guides for various wi-fi devices.

Can students use their own wi-fi devices?

Yes. Student may use any 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliance wi-fi device to connect to the CityU WLAN.

Can staff use their own wi-fi devices?

Yes. Staff may use any 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliance wi-fi device to connect to the CityU WLAN.

Can alumni use their own wi-fi devices?

Yes, CityU alumni can use their own wi-fi devices to access the wireless network (SSID) "alumni".

What is the bandwidth of the WLAN?

CityU WLAN conforms to the industrial standard IEEE 802.11 a, b, g, n or ac. It allows a maximum of 3.47 Gbps (802.11ac), 300 Mbps (802.11n), 54Mbps (802.11a/g) or 11 Mbps (802.11b) theoretical transfer speed and should satisfy general network applications such as Internet browsing, e-mail application, etc.

Do I need to login?

Yes. Before you can connect to the WLAN, user authentication is required for security purpose. You are prompted for a valid logon. Please use your Network Connection Password to logon.

There are two login methods available: secure (WPA/WPA2) and insecure (Web), which one should I choose?

  • We strongly recommend all users to use the WPA/WPA2 method to establish WLAN connection. Once the connection is established, all data sent to the air is encrypted. Even though someone captures the data, he/she cannot decrypt the data so easily. Hence privacy and security are ensured.
  • The Web logon method is purposely provided for those platforms that do not supporting WPA/WPA2 connection. Only your logon name and password are encrypted during authentication but other information send to the air is not encrypted.

I cannot login. How can I solve this problem?

  • Please use your network connection password to logon. If you forget your password, please visit the CSC Service Counter to reset the password.
  • Your WLAN account has been disabled because our network security system found that there was connection under your account spreading computer viruses or similar. You will be notified by email. After you have cleaned up your computer and notified CSC by email (csc@cityu.edu.hk), the account will be re-activated within 2 working days.
  • The wireless LAN connection profile stored in your wi-fi device is corrupted or outdated. You may remove it and re-create a new connection profile.
  • Apply the latest OS patches and device driver to your wi-fi device.

I am CityU Alumnus but cannot login. How can I solve this problem?

  • For CityU Alumnus, please visit the home page of the Alumni Relations Office (ARO) for more information and procedures to reset your password.
  • The wireless LAN connection profile stored in your wi-fi device is corrupted or outdated. You may remove it and re-create a new connection profile.

I can login but cannot access the campus network nor the Internet. How can I solve this problem?

  • Please check the network configuration of your system. The IP address, DNS servers and gateway parameters of a WLAN client are assigned by DHCP servers. Do not hard code these parameters in your system manually.
  • Remove proxy setting in your browser.
  • Temporary disable the personal firewall if it is enabled in your system to see if it can solve the problem. If so, you need to modify the policies of the firewall.

I can login inside CityU campus but fail to login at some wi-fi hotspots. How can I solve this problem?

  • The wireless LAN connection profile stored in your wi-fi device is corrupted or outdated. You may remove it and re-create a new connection profile.
  • This may happen if you are using long password (longer than 16 characters) at some wi-fi hotspots. Some wi-fi service providers do not support long password, therefore your login request will be rejected. You need to use a shorter password to solve the problem.

Do I need to logout?

The system will terminate all your sessions automatically if your WLAN device is idle for more than 15 minutes. However, if you need to logout manually for any reason, you can terminate the connection through the network connection icon in the system tray.

What is the procedure to use the WLAN?

For Staff and Students

  1. Power on your wi-fi device and select the desired wireless network (SSID) to connect
  2. Logon to the wireless network via WPA/WPA2 or via Web logon page by entering URL of a web site (depending on the SSID selected).
  3. You can now access the Internet and campus network over the CityU WLAN
  4. Logout or disconnect from the WLAN

For Alumni

  1. Power on your wi-fi device
  2. Connect and logon to the "alumni" wireless network
  3. You can now access the WLAN

For more information on using the CityU Wireless LAN access services, please refer to the web page “ http://www.cityu.edu.hk/csc/deptweb/facilities/ctnet/wlan/wlanmain-sc.htm ”.

I use my notebook computer to connect to the WLAN and find the connection speed fluctuates and connection sometimes drops.

You are kindly advised to upgrade the driver of the WLAN adapter to the latest. Please contact your supplier and follow the instructions to download and upgrade the driver.

If you find the wi-fi signal level too low, you can maximize the transmission power of your WLAN card.

IT.ServiceDesk@cityu.edu.hk