Frequently Asked Questions

Is The University of Adelaide wireless network safe?

There are no known safety issues with the wireless equipment used by The University of Adelaide which is used in accordance with national regulations and installation guidelines. Detailed information about wireless networks and health, and about the wireless equipment the University uses, is available.

The energy of the University's wireless LAN is 1/20^th that of a mobile phone handset. The University's wireless equipment is normally several meters from any workstation which is considered to be safe according to the Australian guidelines and regulations. Compare that to somebody on a mobile phone call nearby - that is producing a much greater (but still considered safe) amount of radiated microwave energy.

I am having issues connecting to the 'UofA' network and would like assistance, what do I do?

• Staff, visitors and postgrads can contact the the ITS Service Desk on 33000 or helpdesk@adelaide.edu.au
• Students can visit Level 3 of the Barr Smith Library for Face to face Student IT Support.

I am troubleshooting problems connecting to the 'UofA' network, what steps should i take to troubleshoot this?

1. Update you Operating System with latest patches. e.g. Running 'Windows Update' (Windows Computers) or 'Software Update' (Macs running MacOS X)
   Staff can do this from their wired network point in their office, students can go to the 'Student Support Services Desk' located in the Barr Smith Library to gain access to a wired network port.
2. Windows XP users, ensure you have Service Pack 2 and have downloaded and installed the WPA Update. Windows 2000 users need to have Service Pack 4 and a 3rd Party Wireless Utility.
3. Ensure you are using your University ID No. (e.g. a1234567) and correct password.
4. Check your configuration settings from our Guide Page.
5. If your device supports only WPA and not WPA2, try connecting to 'UofA-WPA1Only', if this works please contact the helpdesk so the reason can be investigated.
6. Visit the discussion boards on MyUni and make a post under the "IT Services for Students".
7. If you are still having issues staff should contact the ITS Helpdesk on 33000 or helpdesk@adelaide.edu.au. Students can visit the 'Student Support Services Desk' located on Level 3 of the Barr Smith Library.

I use Windows 2000 and cannot get the 'UofA' to work

The reason for this is that Windows 2000 does not support WPA encryption and additional software is required for succesful connection to the 'UofA'network.

• For IBM laptops with Windows 2000 SOE or using ThinkVantage Access Connections
  Download and install *Intel® PROSet/Wireless Network Connection Software*
  You can then use the IBM Thinkvantage Access Connections to configure your wireless
• For other devices using Intel Wireless Cards
  Download and install *Intel® PROSet/Wireless Network Connection Software*
  In this case you will need to configure the Intel Software
• For users with the approved Belkin N1 (F5D8051v3)
  Download and install the correct software from F5D8051 Wireless N USB Network Adapter
  

I can't find the right Server Validation Certificate.

Unfortunately depending on the Operating System and software used the certificate isn't always displayed with the same name. The various alternatives are below.

• ValiCert Class 2 Policy Validation Authority
• Starfield Class 2 Policy Validation Authority
• http://www.valicert.com/
  • In the case where there are 3 http://www.valicert.com/, chose the middle one.

What is the difference between 'UofA' and 'UofA-WPA1Only'?

Very little, a common mistake is that 'UofA' supports WPA2 only, however it actually supports both WPA and WPA2. Some WPA only devices have had issues connecting to the 'UofA' network and the 'UofA-WPA1Only' network has been created as a workaround fix. Both SSID's operate the same and as a user you will not notice any difference. If your wireless device can connect to 'UofA-WPA1Only' but not 'UofA' please report via the feedback form. Please include what technical speficiations you can about your devce (e.g.Model No. Operating System)

I have found my own workaround/information that might be useful to other users, who do I tell?

Please report this information using the feedback form, we will review this information and make it available in the appropriate place.