The UNLV Wireless Network is available to UNLV faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students.  Wireless Internet access is a convenient way for you to search the web, check your e-mail, study, and conduct research.  Many new locations are being installed each month. 

Get Started | Locations | Specifications | FAQ
Account Set up

Get Started

1. Go to a wireless hotspot on campus.
2. Turn on your computer and launch a web browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape). You will be directed to the login page.
3. Click Registration Page. You will be directed to the Wireless Account Setup page.
4. Enter your first name, last name, and L#, as seen on your RebelCard, in the appropriate boxes. Do not type spaces. Be sure to include the 'L' when typing your L#.
5. Click Submit. You will be directed to the Choose a Password page. Enter the password you would like to use to access the wireless network. You will need to enter the same password in Password and Confirm Password fields. Passwords are case sensitive.
   Entering your e-mail address is optional, but recommended. You will receive e-mail updates regarding wireless network status.
6. Click Submit. You will be directed to the Account created page. Your login name will be posted on this page. Please be sure to make note of it.
7. After you have noted your login name, at the Account created page click on the Return to the Login Page link.
8. Login into the wireless website using the user name and password just created.

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Locations

Wireless network specifications:

• A short-range network. You must be in a defined area where the radio signal is available. If you move out of this area, the radio signal will be too weak and you will be disconnected.
• A shared network, generally faster than a modem (50 Kbps) and can be as fast as 500 Kbps, depending on how busy it is.
• Does not work with cellular phones, pagers, Palm VII's, Bluetooth, or many other wireless technologies.
• Is compatible with most IEEE 802.11b/g products, including the three most common on campus: Apple Airport, Cisco Aironet, Netgear, Linksys and D-Link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is wireless network access?
What do I need to use this network?
How do I install my wireless network card?
How can I get an account?
How do I connect to UNLV Wireless Network?
Can I use my 802.11b/g card at other locations on campus?

What is Wireless Network Access? A wireless LAN is one in which a mobile user can connect to a local area network (LAN) through a wireless (radio) connection. The user will need to have a PC or Macintosh laptop with a supported wireless network card. Some laptops may have these cards built in, or you may need to purchase a separate card.

Who can use the UNLV Wireless Network?
This network is available to all University of Nevada, Las Vegas students, faculty, and staff who have a valid UNLV RebelCard.

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What do I need to use this network? You will need a computer with an IEEE 802.11b/g or IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN network card and network browser.

Windows

• Windows 2000 or Windows XP Operating System
• Recommended 802.11b wireless LAN network cards include Linksys Wireless -G, D-Link AirPlus G, Cisco Aironet
• Some newer models of Windows laptop computers can use a mini-PCI internal wireless card. Check with vendors for availability of these computers with special cards.

Macintosh

• Use the OSX operating system
• An Apple Powerbook or iBook with an internal Airport wireless card
• An Apple Powerbook without a slot for an internal Airport wireless card but with a PC card slot. Recommended 802.11b wireless LAN network cards: Cisco Aironet

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How do I install my wireless network card?
Software and instructions are provided with the wireless card that you purchase. Generally you just need to start your laptop and insert the card into a PC card slot (if external). Your laptop should detect the new hardware (the wireless card) and walk you through the process of installing the drivers.

You will need the following information for the installation process:

1. TCP/IP software needs to be set-up to use the 802.11b/g hardware (this may look like an "Ethernet" device to the system)
2. Use DHCP to dynamically obtain a TCP/IP address
3. The SSID or network name is UNLV
4. Do not use "WEP" encryption for connections to UNLV

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How can I get an account?
You will need to be in a location where the UNLV Wireless Network is available.

1. Insert your wireless card (unless the wireless card is built-in) and turn on your computer. Launch a web browser (Netscape, Internet Explorer).
2. Your web browser home page will be redirected to the UNLV Wireless Network authentication page.
3. Register by clicking on the link to the Registration Page. You will need your RebelCard in order to complete this process. **Note: There will be a 24 hour delay from the time your RebelCard is issued until you may register.
4. You will be prompted to return to the login page. Please login with your User Name and password. You are now connected to the UNLV Wireless Network and can use your network applications.

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How do I connect to UNLV Wireless Network
You will need to be in a location where the UNLV Wireless Network is available.

1. Insert your wireless card (unless the wireless card is built-in) and turn on your computer.
2. Launch a web browser:
   • Microsoft Internet Explorer: version 5.5 or later for Windows, version 5.2 or later for Macintosh computers
   • Netscape Navigator: version 4.7.2 or later for Windows or Macintosh computers.
3. Your web browser home page will be redirected to the UNLV Wireless Network authentication page.
4. Register by clicking on the link to the Registration Page. You will need your RebelCard in order to complete this process.
5. You will be prompted to return to the login page. Please login with your User Name and password. You are now connected to the UNLV Wireless Network and can use your network applications.

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Can I use my 802.11b/g wireless card at other location on campus?

Some academic departments and business units have implemented their own wireless LANs. Check with the IT support group in your unit to see if a wireless network is available.

Also, consumer-oriented 802.11b/g access points, sometimes called "base stations" are available from a number of vendors. If you correctly set up such a base station at home, then the same 802.11b/g card that connects your computer to the UNLV Wireless Network can be used at home.

NOTE: There several standards used for wireless communication; they are not all IEEE 802.11b/g. The IEEE 802.11g standard is backwards compatible with IEEE 802.11b. This means the older IEEE 802.11b access points or cards can be used with the newer IEEE 802.11b/g access points or cards.

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