Campus Network Access Requirements
Requirements to access the campus network for residential users on personal devices.
Internet & Network Access
If you are living on campus, each residence hall room provides access to the network via a wired or wireless connection. Read More about connectivity types & requirements in the residence halls, including information on using online gaming consoles.
Wireless access is available in all campus buildings and many outdoor common areas. College Campus WiFi is the unencrypted wireless network available to students and guests. See below for more information on requirements how to connect to the WiFi.
Operating Systems
Windows XP (32 and 64 bit)
- Service Pack 2 or newer
- Up to date anti virus definitions and a supported anti virus client.
- Windows Firewall must be enabled.
- Java JRE 1.5.0 or newer
Windows Vista (32 and 64 bit) / Windows 7
- Service pack 1
- Up to date anti virus definitions and a supported anti virus client.
- Windows Firewall must be enabled.
- Java JRE 1.5.0 or newer
Mac OS X
- 10.5 or better
- Java JRE 1.5.0 or newer
Linux (Linux support will be limited at the Student Helpdesk due to the large number of distributions available)
- Java JRE 1.5.0 or newer
Game Consoles
- A valid game console is automatically allowed necessary internet and local network access. If you are having issues with getting your game console connected to the network please contact the Student Helpdesk.
Disallowed network uses include, but are not limited to
- Running a DHCP server on the campus network.
- Distributing mass email (SPAM) from the campus network.
- Illegally downloading or distributing copyrighted material.
Free anti-virus for students
- Students that do not have an antivirus product (or those that don't have a supported client) please contact the Student Helpdesk for information about downloading an antivirus.
Computer Checking
- Computers connected to the network are checked periodically to ensure they remain secure.
- On Windows machines the firewall will be automatically turned on if it is disabled.
Plugin Installation Instructions
Wireless Networks
There are two available wireless networks at Western. Both networks have the same requirements as listed above.
- Western
- This is the encrypted wireless network and is recommended for students. The secure wireless uses your username and password to encrypt data on the network making it more secure. Read more about how to connect to this network.
- This is the encrypted wireless network and is recommended for students. The secure wireless uses your username and password to encrypt data on the network making it more secure. Read more about how to connect to this network.
- College Campus WiFi
- This is the standard wireless network at Western and does not use any encryption.
- This is the standard wireless network at Western and does not use any encryption.
