Computer Technology Information
Campus Wireless Network & Internet Connectivity

NHTI provides wireless access to the academic network for course material and the Internet on a campus wide basis.

Wireless network cards can be added to PCs that do not have integrated wireless capability. This is normally done by adding a wireless network PCMCIA card or a USB wireless network adapter. The former is normally recommended for laptop PCs where size and convenience are important while the latter is recommended for desktop PCs since it allows the transceiver, at the end of the USB cable, to be easily moved for best reception. The manufacturer of the card is not important as long as it is IEEE 802.11b compliant. This is the specification for the wireless network installed at NHTI. You will find most cards will have printing on the outside box indicating that they can be used on an 802.11b network. Network cards can be purchased at most consumer electronic/computer stores or from Internet vendors for between $50 and $100.

There are no restrictions to accessing the wireless network on campus in all locations where it is available, including the residence halls. The default settings provided by the network card manufacturer should work in most cases. In those cases where a SSID is required, "NHTI" (no quotes) should be entered making sure that all the letters are capitalized. If a staff or faculty member has any difficulty in accessing the network, they should contact Computer Services at , or call 271-6847.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does NHTI have wireless access?
  Currently, all buildings on the NHTI campus have wireless access to the campus network including the residence halls.
• What can you access using the wireless network?
  The wireless network provides access to all academic servers and network services needed for coursework and research, as well as full Internet access.
• What do I need for special equipment to access the wireless network?
  In order to access the wireless network you will need a network device that complies with the 802.11b standard.
• Do you recommend a particular wireless network device?
  It is recommended that if you have a desktop PC (not a laptop) you purchase a wireless network device that connects to your PC via the USB port rather than a device that installs in a PCI slot. This will allow you to position just the device for best reception rather than having to move the complete PC. There are also Ethernet jacks for wired connections in all residence hall rooms. Wired connections provide greater reliability and security than wireless.
• Are there computers available for students to use on campus if you do not own a computer?
  There are currently 16 major PC labs on campus with numerous smaller labs. The two labs in the library building are generally available at all times for students to use on a first come walk in basis. In addition, all other PC labs are available for general student access when they are open and not in use by an instructor for scheduled instruction. Generally, you will find a schedule for when a lab will be in use or open posted outside each lab after the first week of classes.
• What software will I need on my computer?
  All computers on campus have MS Windows XP and MS Office available on them for general use and that is the software used for general computer instruction. In addition you will find specialized software required for particular disciplines installed on PCs in some labs where the courses for that discipline are taught. In those instances it is best to contact the department head of your major to determine what software would be appropriate to purchase for your personal PC. In some curriculums, some software titles may be available at no cost for installation on your personal computer (MS Office is not one of them) so it is best to speak with your department head before making any purchase.
• Can I access the NHTI network from off campus?
  Generally, the NHTI academic network is accessible only from on campus. However, there are two notable exceptions. First, the NHTI web site is accessible at www.nhti.edu and this is where you would find current information about NHTI, including notices of class cancellations due to inclement weather. The second exception is nhti.nhti.edu. This is a special network server that provides off campus access to material needed for coursework, including homework assignments. The availability of any material is solely at the discretion of the department or individual instructor and is generally password protected. You should contact your instructor or department head to determine if they make use of this server and for the current username and password to gain access when appropriate.
• Who do I contact if I have problems with a computer?
  If you notice a problem with any NHTI owned equipment or network you should contact Computer Services at , or call 271-6847.

Last updated June 1, 2007