OSU Wireless-Network: FAQ with WinXP
Wireless networking has been made simple in the most recent versions of the Windows Operating System. With the "Wireless Zero Configuration" utility built in, a user can administrate their wireless connectivity.
Signal Level:
Figure 1: Excellent Signal
Often times, with Windows XP, a small screen will pop up stating that your signal level has changed. These screens (similar to above) can read the following signal strengths: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Low, Very Low.
Why does my Signal Strength say "Low"?
OIT has found that often times the signal levels are not 100% accurate. When they are accurate (or as close as they can be), Windows provides no other explanation to the signal strength other than the graphical interface you can get by clicking on the Wireless Network Adapter Icon (the two computers).
Figure 2: Status Screen
At this point, you are provided information about the signal strength with only green and white bars (with no other correlation of bars to signal strength). We feel that it is our duty to explain how these signal levels (both bars and signal strength indicators) are obtained.
If I have a "Low" Signal, does that mean that my data transfers are going to be slow?
Our answer to that is a very definitive: "It depends".
Signals vary because of a multitude of things. [The distance you are from the wireless signal, interference/noise from other wireless devices, the type of obstructions in your way, etc]. For instance, if you are a far distance from the access point (the unit that your computer talks to with the wireless signal), and there is a large crowd of people in your way, your signal may get absorbed into the crowd.
As such, some of the signal may not get to your computer, and the computer will have to resend the information again. This could cause some delay in the data, and therefore can slow your connection.
On the other hand, you could be in an open field, but far away from the Access Point. There’s little to no noise, and you can even almost see the access point. Your speed, even though it reads “Low” will most likely still be 11Mbps. This is because the computer doesn’t have to ask for the same data over and over again and it can continue to download new data.
Do I have to install the AEGIS client? Can’t I use the Wireless Network Logins available through Windows XP?
You should be able to utilize the Windows XP Wireless Network Logins with the OSU Wireless-Network pending your wireless network adapter is WPA compatible. See the tested and recommended devices.
How do I know if I have the most up-to-date versions of drivers for my wireless card?
The only way to know this is to visit your wireless card manufacturer’s website, and they can tell you what the most recent version is.
See the following related wireless articles:
OIT Wireless Articles
Current Record: 1396
Create Date: 08-19-2003
Last Reviewed: 03-02-2007
Home
