General Wireless Questions

What are the standard SFU Wireless networks (SSIDs)?

The standard SFU Wireless network SSID is SFUNET-SECURE. This network requires you to configure your device before you connect. An automatic installer is available for supported operating systems. SFUNET is an older web-portal authenticated wireless network that is meant for basic connectivity. SFUNET-SECURE is recommended as the network of choice to the SFU community. Additionally, SFU has deployed an extension of the eduroam network, which allows visiting members of other eduroam supports institutions to connect wireless without needing a guest account.

What wireless protocols are supported by SFU Wireless?

SFU Wireless protocol currently supports 802.11a/g/n protocols in all locations.

What hardware/software is supported for SFU Wireless?

All laptops with a compatible wireless adapter should work with the standard SFUNET wireless network. Supported Operating Systems include Windows 2000/XP and later and Mac OS X. Additional hardware and software requirements are necessary for Secure Wireless (SFUNET-SECURE).

Where is wireless available on campus?

New access points (hot spots) are being added all the time. Current buildings with wireless include:

• Burnaby: ASSC I, ASSC II, AQ, Applied Sciences Building, Convo mall, DiamondAlumni Club, Education Building, Halpern Centre, Facilities Management, Maggie Benston, MTF, Strand Hall, Shrum Sciences Complex (Chem, Bio, Phys, Kin), Shrum Classroom Complex, South Science Building, TASC I, TASC II, WAC Bennett Library,West Mall
• Surrey: All areas
• Vancouver: Harbour Centre, Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Segal Centre.

Note: Wireless coverage may only be available in select areas of the listed buildings

Will SFU Wireless work Smartphones/iPhones?

Mobile devices such as phones and iPods are compatible in most cases. When possible, it is recommended to use the SFUNET-SECURE network to avoid the constant hassle of logging in through the SFUNET web portal. Installation instructions for various devices can be found on the wireless configuration page.

Is SFU Wireless available for visitors?

An SFU computing ID and password is required for all wireless network access. Additionally, it is not permissible to loan out your own account ID and password for others to use (consult Fair Use of Information Resources GP-24 for more information). If a guest account is needed for visiting faculty or presenters, please contact your local computing helpdesk or contact for an SFU Lightweight account. Visitors from participating institutions can also use eduroam while at SFU.

Is SFU Wireless available for alumni?

Alumni have full access to campus wireless services, including SFUNET and SFUNET-SECURE. Additionally, alumni are able to utilize the eduroam network when visiting other institutions (UBC, UVic, etc). When signing in, alumni must remember to use their fully qualified user name (ie bob@alumni.sfu.ca).

Where can I get help for my wireless connection?

If you are having difficulties getting connected to SFU Wireless and you have already worked through the "Troubleshooting Wireless" help document, you can contact any of the following (depending on your location):

• The Burnaby Computing Helpdesk (778-782-3230)
• The MCF Helpdesk (AQ 3148)
• Surrey Computing Helpdesk (778-782-7490).

SFU Web Portal Wireless (SFUNET)

What is needed for SFUNET?

A modern browser (Firefox, Netscape, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc), an 802.11b wireless adapter, and a DHCP enabled network interface.

How do I log into SFUNET?

To log into SFUNET, you must have DHCP enabled on your wireless card interface. After enabling your card and selecting the SFUNET SSID, you are required to open aweb browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc) whereby you will be redirected to an authentication page. After entering your SFU computing ID and password, you willthen be allowed full access to the network so that you can download email, browse the web, etc.

SFU Secure Wireless (SFUNET-SECURE)

What is secure wireless?

The SFUNET-SECURE network prevents malicious users from eavesdropping on your wireless traffic. Using extremely strong encryption and authentication algorithms, the SFU-SECURE network keeps all of your wireless network traffic private.

What makes SFUNET insecure?

Because wireless technology by its very nature can be intercepted by anyone "listening" to the airwaves, your network traffic is not safe from prying eyes. Encrypted traffic such as secure web pages (such as when you are purchasing from an online store) are safe, but insecure protocols such as Email, MSN, and Telnet canbe intercepted.

What hardware do I need for Secure Wireless?

• PC: Built-in wireless adapter or wireless PC card supporting 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a or 802.11n.
• Mac: Airport Extreme or better

What software do I need for Secure Wireless?

Windows XP Users

• Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (or better)
• latest drivers for your wireless adapter (please consult your manufacturer's website for download)

Windows Vista Users

• Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (or better)
• Latest drivers for your wireless adapter (please consult your manufacturer's website for download)

Windows 7 Users

• Latest drivers for your wireless adapter (please consult your manufacturer's website for download)

Mac Users

• OS X Tiger 10.4.2 or greater

What EAP-TTLS Supplicants can I use?

SFUNET-SECURE can use either EAP-PEAP/MSCHAPv2 and EAP-TTLS/PAP authentication protocols. Windows has built-in EAP-PEAP/MSCHAPv2 support while Mac OS X has both.

What happened to SecureW2?

SecureW2 is no longer open and freely distributable software. As such, SFU has discontinued support for this product and highly recommends Windows users to use the built-in EAP-PEAP/MSCHAPv2 supplicant.

How do I configure my computer for Secure Wireless?

Instructions can be found here

Eduroam Wireless

What is eduroam?

"eduroam" is a collaborative network that allows students, staff and faculty to access wireless services at cooperating universities without the need for obtaining a guest account. It allows a user visiting another institution to login using the samecredentials they would at home.

Who can log into eduroam at SFU?

Staff, students and faculty at eduroam affiliated institutions are able to log into eduroam at SFU. Locally this includes UBC, SFU, UVic, BCIT, UNBC and TRU, but also includes most other major Canadian institutions and a number of others in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Likewise, SFU students, staff and faculty may use the eduroam wireless services provided by the same list of institutions. More details can be found at the Canadian eduroam site

What are the technical requirements for users visiting SFU?

SFU eduroam supports WPA2 operation with AES encryption. Users must have a compatible wireless adapter with up-to-date driversand current patches installed for their computer Operating System. An EAP client is also required to be installed. The exact EAP type (TTLS, TLS, PEAP, etc) will be thatof the user's home institution.

What user name do I use to log in?

To log into eduroam at SFU, use the same personal computing ID and password combination as your home institution in the user@domain format. For example, an SFU student would have computingID@sfu.ca as the user name.

What are the technical requirements for SFU users visiting other universities?

The technical requirements for accessing eduroam at other institutions will vary, however the very minimum will be a WPA/TKIP compatible wireless adapter. An 802.1x supplicant is also required and must be configured for EAP-TTLS. Instructions for SFUNET-SECURE can be found at here

How do I get support for eduroam at SFU?

Users visiting SFU from other institutions are required to get eduroam support from their home institution, not SFU. Likewise, SFU students, staff and faculty visitingother institutions must get support for eduroam from the same avenues as they would for SFUNET and SFUNET-SECURE. As a general rule, users should ensurethey have a working connection at home before traveling.

Where can I find additional information on eduroam?

The eduroam home page http://www.eduroam.org/ and the Canadian eduroam page is located at http://eduroam.ca