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Northern Illinois University

Everything Technology Handbook

Mobile Computing

Wireless Network Access

Below is a list of some of the more commonly used wireless networks on campus. There are many more locations across campus, with new areas continually being added. For the latest list of locations, visit securenet.niu.edu

  • Anderson Hall
  • Barsema Alumni and Visitor's Center
  • Barsema Hall–entire building
  • Campus Life Building
  • Convocation Center
  • Engineering Building
  • Faraday Hall
  • Faraday West 
  • Founders Library–entire building
  • Gabel Hall
  • Graham Hall 
  • Holmes Student Center (except hotel rooms)
  • Housing and Dining
    • Douglas Hall C dining room
    • Grant Hall AB meeting rooms
    • Lincoln Hall main lobby
    • Neptune Central, fireplace lounge
    • Stevenson Hall food court
    • Grant, Stevenson, Douglas, Lincoln, and Neptune floor lounges
  • Lowden Hall 
  • NIU Regional Centers: Wireless access is also available at NIU Regional Centers in Hoffman Estates, Rockford, and Naperville, Illinois. Check with these locations for more information.
  • Psych/Computer Science
  • Swen Parson
  • Visual Arts Building - Jack Olson Gallery
  • Williston Hall 

To use the wireless network on the DeKalb campus, users must have a laptop computer or other device with wireless capability. Wireless network cards are available from the Holmes Student Center Bookstore. NIU’s network uses a “B” standard, but the “G” cards rated for faster networks will function in some locations.

In addition, you need to be aware of the following in order to use NIU’s wireless network:

In the residence halls:

The following is required to use the wireless network in the residence halls. For more information, refer to the ResTech website restech.niu.edu

  • AccountID (Z-ID) or administrative user name and password
  • A computer/device that is WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) compliant.
  • Windows XP
  • Windows Vista
  • Mac OS X 10.3 or higher
  • Linux (download available from securenet.niu.edu
  • Clean Access Agent installed and updated ensures that Operating Systems are updated and virus scanners are installed and updated.

All NIU wireless access points are installed and supported by ITS. Access points not installed and supported by ITS are identified as “rogue devices” and will be disabled from accessing the network.

Outside the residence halls:

You are responsible for updating your own operating system and browser with the latest patches. In addition, you should install antivirus software (available free to NIU students/staff/ affiliates) and update virus definition files regularly. Failure to update your system may result in being blocked from use of the NIU network.

  • Configure the computer for TCP/IP and to accept DHCP. If your IP or DNS information is hard-coded, it will not work. Every operating system houses these settings in different locations. For assistance, call the ITS Helpdesk at (815) 753-8100.

    The following is required to use the wireless network outside the residence halls.

  • AccountID (Z-ID) or administrative user name and password 
  • A computer/device that supports either PPTP (Point to Point Tunneling Protocol) or the Cisco VPN Client. PPTP is the preferred method for connecting to the wireless network.
    • Windows XP
    • Windows Vista
    • Mac OS X 10.3 or higher
    • Linux kernel 2.4 or higher
  • Open a browser, users will be directed to the Securenet website at: securenet.niu.edu. If you are not automatically directed to the securenet website browse to securenet.niu.edu Follow the instructions on the page. Be sure to follow the “On Campus” instructions when accessing the DeKalb campus network.
  • You can access your H: drive via FTP.

All NIU wireless access points are installed and supported by ITS. Access points that are not installed and supported by ITS are identified as “rogue devices” and will be disabled from accessing the network.

For more information, please refer to the section entitled "Computing and Phone Problems".

For wireless support in the residence halls, please contact the ResTech Helpdesk at restech@niu.edu or call 753-6267.

For wireless support outside of the residence halls, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at helpdesk@niu.edu or 753-8100.

Community Data Ports

Community Data Ports (CDPs) are available in the Holmes Student Center Cyber Café, Barsema Hall’s atrium area, and in Neptune Central near the fireplace. CDPs are usually placed in a visible area, and typically feature instructions on how to connect.

To use these connections, users will need to configure their computer the same way they would for use of the wireless network. See previous section “Outside the Residence Halls.”

Users will need an Ethernet card and a short patch cable (also referred to as an Ethernet Cable or RJ45 cable) to connect. Both are available at the University Bookstore.