UHDwireless Access & Portable Computing

• Requirements
• FAQs

• Wireless Printing

• Coverage Areas

• Secure Connection

• VPN Utility
• Wireless Network Account Form

UHDwireless Information Page

Welcome to UH-Downtown's wireless zone information page.  This page provides helpful information regarding the university's wireless network as well as a FAQ section to help answer some of the questions you might have concerning wireless access.  The purpose of this project is to provide UHD faculty, staff, students, and UHD guest access to the web from anywhere on campus 24 hours a day 7 days a week without the constraints of cumbersome cables or wires.

UHDwireless is a wireless network for use by UHD students, faculty, staff, and official visitors. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Usage may be subject to security testing and monitoring. Misuse is subject to criminal prosecution.  No expectation of privacy except as otherwise provided by applicable privacy laws.

Requirements

UHD’s wireless network infrastructure is currently designed to support the most common wireless cards currently available that meet minimum standards.  Any wireless card that fully supports the 802.11b wireless standard will be able to connect to UHDwireless network. Note that many laptops already have built in wireless.

1. A laptop, Tablet PC, or handheld device with wireless capability. Your existing device may already have this capability built-in. If not, you can purchase a wireless network card for most laptops at any major electronics retailer. 
   (Must be 802.11b compliant.)
    

2. Web Browser - You can use any standard Internet-ready browser.
    

3. User Account - Faculty, staff, and students can access UHD's wireless network with their existing network username and password.

• Alumni Access - UHD Alumni may request a computer account for use on the wireless network.  To request an account, please contact the Academic Computing Lab (800S).  Alumni are required to abide by the Regulations for Using Academic Computing Facilities and Resources at the UH-Downtown.

• Guest Access  - Guest accounts for the UHD network are provided as a courtesy for official visitors to the University.  To obtain a Guest Account, ask your campus sponsor to complete the Wireless Network Account Request Form.  Guest accounts are issued by the IT Help Desk between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays.  For further information or assistance, contact the Help Desk at 713-221-8031.

For more information on obtaining a wireless account, please contact our Help Desk at 713-221-8031, x3000, or help@uhd.edu.

Wireless Services

Web access is currently available on the wireless network to faculty, staff, and students.    Please note that availability of wireless resources will vary depending on the individual's current employment or enrollment status.

Faculty & Staff Access:

Web
Outlook Client
Outlook Web Access
Network share drives
Network printing - please contact the Help Desk at 713-221-8031 or x3000 for assistance on setting up a network printer on your wireless laptop.

Student Access:

Web
GatorMail
NEW Wireless Printing - Instructions
*There are currently two printers setup for wireless printing on campus, in the Academic Computing Lab, S800.   Please follow the instructions provided above to print from a university issued laptop. 

Alumni Access:  (Requires a wireless network account)

Web

Guest Access:  (Requires a wireless network account)

Web

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the wireless network?
Is the wireless environment secure and private?
What operating systems are supported?
What kind of speeds can I expect from the wireless network?
My PDA has wireless capabilities. Is it possible to use it on UHDWireless?
Will I be able to use my wireless equipment at other sites?
Can I get any help if I am having a problem or need information?

How do I access the wireless network?
Once in a coverage area, turn on your wireless device (i.e. laptop) and connect to Internet using a web browser.  You will be automatically redirected to the UHDwireless site.  If you are a current faculty, staff, or student, log in on the left of the screen with your current network user name and password.  See below for log in screen.

Alumni and guests must complete the proper paper work to obtain an account.

Is the wireless environment secure and private?
See Wireless Security Guide for more information on security options.

What operating systems are supported?

• Windows XP

• Windows 2000

• Windows ME

• Windows 98 SE

• MAC OS 9 and 10

• LINUX

• Tablet PC

• Pocket PC

Will I be able to use my wireless equipment at other sites?
The 802.11b and compatible wireless cards that are supported at UHD represent the most widely used wireless standard at the present time. Therefore, the equipment is likely to be supported at some other sites with wireless networks.  However, availability and authentication/security practices at other sites need to be coordinated through the local Information Technology office (at the site where you wish to use the wireless infrastructure).  In addition to access, security, and authentication issues, the PC/laptop to be used in the environment will need to be configured based on the specific environment. 

Can I get any help if I am having a problem or need information?
Please contact the Help Desk at extension 3000, or 713-221-8031.  You may also e-mail your questions or comments to help@uhd.edu.

Coverage Areas

One Main Building

• North & South Towers (all floors)

• Academic Building (all floors)

Commerce Building (all floors)

Willow Street Pump Station

Student Life Center

Secure Connection

Wireless Security Guide
Wireless networks utilize radio technologies which by their nature may be intercepted by specially designed equipment.  Although many network operations (such as credit card and banking transactions) are made secure by the hosting system, wireless users need to be aware that general communications and web transactions are not by their nature secure.

As a user of the UHDwireless Network, you acknowledge and accept this security risk.  If general wireless security is an issue to you, Information Technology at UH-Downtown provides a security protocol that you may want to consider. 

UH-Downtown strongly encourages the use of security protocols.  The use of encrypted protocols like Virtual Private Network (VPN) ensures that your transactions are encrypted and secure.  Information sent over the wireless network that is not encrypted is insecure and may allow others to view any and all information sent over the wireless network.

Faculty & Staff VPN Download

• VPN Client (Windows)      Installation Instructions |  Download