Mason Wireless LAN Service
- Linksys Wireless-G Notebook Adapter (WPC54G)
- D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G Cardbus Adapter (DWL-G650)
- Netgear 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card 32-bit CardBus (WG511)
- Linksys Wireless-B Notebook Adapter (WPC11 v.4)
- D-Link AirPlus Cardbus Adapter (DWL-650+)
- Netgear Wireless PC Card (MA521)
Recommended Wireless Cards
How to Setup Your Wireless Connection
Other Information
Questions
Securing Your Computer
Recommended Wireless Cards
George Mason's ITU staff recommend the following brands and models of wireless cards below. All six products work well with the Mason wireless service, but the Linksys products have the advantage of being Windows XP certified and have the "Design for Windows XP/2000" logo on their box. Also, 802.11g products are recommended, since they are backwardly compatible with our 802.11b wireless service and can take advantage of the faster connection when we provide 802.11g service in the future.
If you would like to look up to see whether your wireless card is Wi-Fi certified, go to Wi-Fi Alliance Certified Product Listing. All Wi-Fi certified 802.11b and 802.11g products should work with Mason wireless service.
How to Setup Your Wireless Connection
If you are a Windows XP user and choose not to install the software that came with your wireless card, getting on the network for the first time is relatively easy. You put in your wireless card and/or turn on your computer and do the following:
1. Look for the "Wireless Network Connection" icon at the bottom right of your computer screen and click on it.
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2. This opens a window called "Wireless Network Connection". Under "Available Wireless Networks," you should see gmu. You may see other network names, but select "gmu." On the same screen, you will see a warning: "This wireless network is not secure." Check the box that says "Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network even though it is not secure" and click "Connect."
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3. Next open a browser. You will automatically be taken to a login screen where you enter your GMU MEMO userid and password. [Note: This will not work if you have set your homepage to "Use Blank". You must have your homepage set to go to a site, any site other than www.gmu.edu will do.]
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4. If you shut-down your laptop and turn it on later the same day, you will stay logged in until 11:30 pm. The system resets every day at 11:30 pm and logs every laptop off.
If you choose to install the software that comes with your wireless card, you will have to do a bit more work configuring your connection to the wireless network. The most important thing to know is when you are asked to enter a network name (SSID), type gmu (lowercase). Also, you will be asked if the network uses WEP or encryption or some form of security. It does not, so you should NOT select these options.
Other Information
Mason Wireless Network Guidelines (PDF)
University Policy Number 1302 on Wireless Networking
Questions, Problems
If you have any questions or need help with your wireless card, please contact ITU Support Center at 703 993-8870 or support@gmu.edu. The ITU Support Center (Room 233 in Innovation Hall) is open M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m