Northern Illinois University

Information Technology Services

Wireless Information

NIU uses 802.11b and 802.11g for wireless access points. The VPN wireless network is secured with Virtual Private Networking.

Requirements

  • NIU Z-ID / AccountID and password
  • 802.11b compliant wireless card

Wireless Card Configuration

The wireless card needs two settings:

  • DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

    The wireless card must be configured to use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), which allows the network to automatically assign the wireless adapter an IP address. By default, the wireless adapter should be set to DHCP in Windows XP and most other operating systems.

  • Access Point Association

    The wireless network adapter must be associated with an access point. A set of utilities built in to the operating system or provided with the card can associate the wireless adapter to an access point.

Accessing NIUNet and the Internet

  1. Go to a connection location.
  2. Wireless access points are identified as NIUvpn and NIUwireless. Previously, access points were designated by the building they resided in (such as Swen, Founders, Barsema, etc...). Staff, Faculty, Non-Residence Hall students and Retirees on campus should use NIUvpn. Students living in the residence halls at NIU can use either NIUvpn or NIUwireless. NIUwireless is used exclusively inside the Residence Halls.
  3. Configure the PPTP VPN Client or install the NIUNet VPN Client (Skip this step if you have already installed or configured the VPN client for NIUNet wireless.)
  4. Launch the VPN client. See client specific documentation in the VPN section.
  5. Connect with the VPN client. See client specific documentation in the VPN section.
  6. Provide your Z-ID / AccountID and password.

INTEL 3945 Chipset and RealTek 8185 Restriction - There is a known issue with the Intel 3945 wireless card chipset and the RealTek 8185 not working properly with some of NIU's wireless access points. Access points located in the Holmes Student Center may not work with the Intel 3945 chipset or the RealTek 8185.

For our customers who require wireless connectivity in HSC, we suggest they invest in a wireless USB adapter available from many major electronics stores, specifically with the Broadcom chipset.

If you require assistance to determine if your wireless device has an Intel 3945 chipset or the RealTek 8185, please visit the ITS Contact Center with your laptop during business hours for walk-in support. The ITS Contact Center is located in the Telephone & Security building, room 114 (next to NIU Public Safety and Health Services).