Residential Networking

Wireless Networking and Router Setup

Wireless networking is available from several locations on the PLU campus.  The wireless network allows users to connect to the campus network without the need for cables or jacks.  In order do take advantage of this resource you must first have a laptop with a wireless network card.  The PLU Help Desk will provide technical support for cards purchased through the university bookstore.  For installation and setup, please refer to the manual that came with your card.

PLU is continuously expanding the number of wireless access points across campus.  Please refer to this page for any updates regarding the wireless network.

Current locations covered:

• Xavier
• Administration Building
• Mortvedt Library
• University Center
• Rieke Science Center
  
• Morken Center for Learning and Technology
• Residence hall lounges and common areas
• Ingram - selected locations
• Olson - selected locations

In order to complete the setup, you must also edit the settings for your wireless card. You can follow the steps below if you purchased a NetGear card from the bookstore. Otherwise, please refer to the instruction manual for directions on how to configure your particular card.

1. Click on the Start menu and select Programs.
2. Select the Wireless LAN Configuration Utility and click on the configuration tab.
3. Set Mode to Infrastructure
4. Remove any value from the SSID box and leave it blank
5. Click the OK button
   

Registration:

You should now be able to register wirelessly from any of our on-campus access points.  From within one of the buildings listed above, you should be able to access the registration server by simply typing “gatekeeper.plu.edu” into the address bar of your browser.  If this does not work, try typing in the address for another site (ex. www.google.com) and see if it directs you to Gatekeeper.  Next, you must agree to the university network policy and register your computer by typing in your PLU ePass (email) username and password.  If done correctly, the computer will notify you that your computer has been registered and ask you to reboot your computer.  Once the computer has restarted, you should have network access.  If you have problems, please contact the Student Help Desk at x7525 (535-7525 from off-campus)

Router Setup

1. Connect the network cable from the wall port to the Uplink port on the router. Make sure that the cable coming from the wall is not connected to any other port on the router.
2. In most cases you should be able register the router directly on Gatekeeper. You will simply need to connect a computer to the router and register as if you were registering the machine itself. If the router is configured as a bridge, the router will not need to be registered; however, any computer that connects through the router will have to be registered on Gatekeeper.
3. Routers are usually configured through a web-based setup utility, which can be accessed by typing the IP address of the router into a web browser. The IP address is usually listed on a label that is attached to the case. Refer to the router’s documentation for specifications and configuration directions.
4. Wireless routers have additional configuration settings and special precaution is needed when setting one up. For instance it is usually not advisable to broadcast the SSID. PLU also recommends limiting access to the router by MAC address and turning on WEP  encryption. The router’s documentation should be consulted for detailed specifications and directions.
5. Most importantly, when in doubt or unsure about setting something up, call the Help Desk (x7525). It is best to have a Tech setup the router properly, as an improperly configured device will disrupt PLU’s network.

updated 9/20/06