Macquarie University Wireless Network
Wireless Now Available in Selected Locations on Campus
All of E6A and selected areas in E7A, E7B, Library and SAM now have Wi-Fi wireless coverage. 802.11a coverage is limited to E6A, and all over locations have 802.11b/g coverage.
More coverage areas are comming soon. If you like to suggest a priority area or have other feedbacks and questions, please contact the IT Helpdesk
Accessing wireless
- What is wireless networking?
- Where can I access wireless?
- Who can connect?
- How can I connect?
- How close do I need to be to an access point to log on to the Internet?
Getting started
- What do I need to connect to the Internet via wireless?
- How do I log on so I can access the Internet?
- How do I log off the wireless network?
Using your wireless Internet
- Supported Standards
- How secure is wireless?
- What can I access via wireless?
- How do I use email with wireless?
- How fast is the wireless network?
- Can I download files using wireless?
Getting help
Additional Information
Accessing wireless
What is wireless networking?
Wireless networking is a network that allows any Wi-Fi enabled device (such as a computer with a wireless network card) to connect to the university network or Internet. You do not need to "plug in" or use any cables. This means you can surf the internet while having lunch, or outside.
Where can I access wireless?
Currently, wireless is available in all of E6A and parts of E7A, E7B, the Library, and SAM building (including the food court and surrounding areas.) Over the next 12 months, it will be extended to cover most of the University.
Who can connect?
Anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled device can connect to the Macquarie University wireless network. Macquarie University web pages do not require a usename or password. Simply connect to the network and open a browser.
To surf beyond Macquarie University you need to authenticate: Students of Macquarie University can connect using their Student-ID and myMQ portal password; Staff can log in, using their Macquarie Uni Remote Access Service (MURAS/Dialup) username and password. (ICS staff can use their ICS-ID)
How close do I need to be to an access point to log on to the Internet?
The range of the wireless access points varies. Usually if a building has wirless access then nearby courtyards will also have access.
You can check whether you have coverage from where you’re sitting by turning on your computer. If you are within range of an access point you will get a message telling you that your computer has found a network.
Getting Started
What do I need to connect to the Internet via wireless?
You need a laptop with wireless capability. Many new laptops come already equipped with Wi-Fi compatibility.
If your laptop does not have this function built in, you need to buy a network card or USB wireless adapter to slot into the side of your computer. These cost approximately $50 - $150 and are available at computer shops.
Make sure when you buy a card that you choose one of the standards the University supports, i.e. either 802.11b or 802.112g.
How do I log on so I can access the Internet?
Assuming you have your wireless adapter installed correctly, when you turn on your computer, you will receive a message telling you that your computer has found a network. Depending on your settings it may auto-connect, or ask you to select which network you want to use.
The wireless network has an SSID (wireless network name) of "Macquarie University". When you connect, your computer may give a warning that this is an insecure network. That is normal, if you have concerns, please see the below section on security.
The wireless network should "just work" for standard configurations. For other setups you may need to visit the IT Helpdesk
Once connected you can browse Macquarie webpages. If you try to visit a webpage outside of Macquarie (such as the google search engine) you will be presented with a login page.
How do I log off the wireless network?
If you have pop ups enabled, a pop up window will appear on your screen once you have logged in. Click on the Click to Logout link in the pop-up window to log out.
If you have Windows XP SP2, the pop up window function is disabled by default. You need to activate pop ups for this particular page. To do this, go to https://wireless-gateway.mq.edu.au/login.pl, click on Tools, and under Pop-up Blocker, turn off Pop-up Blocker.
If your browser doesn't support pop-up windows, closing all open instances of Internet Explorer (or whatever web browser you were using) will log you off.
Using your wireless Internet
Supported Standards
Our wireless access points support all three common wireless standards: 802.11a (limited to E6A), 802.11b, and 802.11g.
Just about all wireless enabled laptops and hand held devices made since 2002 should be compatible.
We do not currently support WEP, WEP+, PPTP, L2TP, IPSec, or 802.1x (however, we do support an IPSec VPN for staff, and plan to add support for some of the others in the future).
How secure is wireless?
By their nature, wireless networks are not terribly secure. Your login and password are encrypted, but most other traffic through wireless could potentially be intercepted. Click here for more information.
The Macquarie wireless network is NOT encrypted. It is recommended that you only use encrypted protocols (eg HTTPS, IMAPS, SMTPS etc) or utilise a VPN.
Feel free to contact the Helpdesk to discuss secure alternatives.
Note: The wireless login page uses HTTPS, and therefore is secure.
What can I access via wireless?
This depends on who you have authenticated as:
How do I use email with wireless?
You can access email through the student portal and other web mail services.
You can also use any secure mail protocol to check your mail (such as IMAPS, POPS, SMTPS).
How fast is the wireless network?
How fast your connection is will depend on the configuration of your laptop, the type of wireless adapter you are using, and the level of coverage (the signal strength) – it will range from 1 mbps up to several mbps.
Can I download files using wireless?
Yes, you can download files, but there are restrictions on the size of downloads and this is controlled by the University’s networking team. The rule of thumb is "Don't abuse the service."
Getting help
What help can I expect from the Help Desk?
The IT Helpdesk will help you with laptops using Microsoft Windows.
Although many users are happily connecting to wireless using Mac and Linux operating systems, as well as a range of digital devices, the IT Helpdesk will not provide assistance with PDAs, and does not support non-Microsoft operating systems.
Additional Information
Wireless do's and don'ts
- Think of those around you. If you want to listen to music or watch a movie, please use headphones.
- Remember to bring a second battery.
Advanced information
Department of ICS settings: