Wireless (Wi-Fi)
Available Wi-Fi Coverage
Setup Guides:
Laptops/Computers |
Mobile Devices |
What is Wi-Fi?
The term “wifi” is most often used in conjunction with wireless Internet networking. In other words, it is a way to access the Internet or a network without the use of cables or wires, allowing for truly mobile technology. Wireless connectivity makes it easy for students and employees with laptops or other mobile devices to move around college campus with ease while staying connected to the network.
What is 802.11x?
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g - 802.11 is a number that is used to refer to the widely accepted specifications that were developed for wireless networking. The specifications were developed by IEEE, a professional organization dedicated to the computer and electronics industries. The appended a, b or g represents a variance of the 802.11 specifications. San Antonio College Wireless Network supports the, b, g, n and ac variances.
What kind of wireless card should I purchase?
Besides a wireless compatible device, such as a laptop computer, tablet or smartphone, you will need an 802.11a, 802.11b 802.11g 802.11n or 802.11ac compatible Wireless Network Interface Card (Wireless NIC) installed and functioning properly in your wireless compatible device.
What is a wireless access point?
Wireless access point is a small dedicated hardware device with a built-in network adapter, antenna, radio transmitter, and receiver. Access points act as the central transmitter and receiver of wireless network radio signals. At San Antonio College, there are more than 250 access points available to provide network connection to wireless users.
What is a hotspot?
Wireless HotSpots are available at several indoor and outdoor college locations. Select the Wi-Fi coverage map link on this web page to see a list of available Wi-Fi access locations.
How fast is our wireless network?
Our wireless is using 802.11ac which supports up to 500 mbps. On average the connection speed is 50 to 60 mbps depending on capabilities of wireless card.
What is the difference between AlamoNet and AlamoGuest?
AlamoNet Wi-Fi service is a secure wireless choice available for Alamo Colleges employees. Your username and password and all data transmitted from your device to the wireless access point are encrypted. AlamoGuest is provided for Alamo Colleges students and visitors. AlamoGuest is an open, unencrypted network and does not require a username or password. You can access AlamoGuest, if you need access to college resources like email or ACES.
Is the access performance the same on the wireless network as it is on the wired network?
You can connect from any Wi-Fi (802.11a/g/n/ac) capable device (laptop, tablet or smartphone). The wired connection will always be faster and less susceptible to outside interference than a wireless connection.
Can I sign in with more than one Wi-Fi enabled device at a time, such as my laptop and phone?
Yes
How do I connect and login to Northwest Vista College wireless network?
The instructions under Setup Guides outline the general procedure for connecting to the Wireless Network. If the instructions do not work for you, please contact our college Helpdesk at 210-486-4777.
Is there a charge to access our College Wireless network ?
There is no cost associated with connecting to Northwest Vista College wireless hotspots. Access is available to all Alamo Colleges students, faculty and staff.
When is the wireless service available for use?
The wireless network is available 24 hours a day throughout the year except during periods of scheduled maintenance or any unforeseen network or electrical problems. The downtimes will be advertises in advance on the System Alerts homepage.
Why does wireless work in some areas, but not in others?
Wireless is not available in every area on Northwest Vista College campus. Access the college Wi-Fi map to view a list of Wi-Fi Hotspot locations.
What do I do if I am getting a bad signal strength?
Electrical items like microwaves, radios, and game console controllers or thick concrete walls can interfere with Wi-Fi signal. If your signal is consistently poor or you cannot get signal, contact us sac-helpdesk@alamo.edu or contact us 210-486-4777
How do I report a wireless connectivity issue?
If you are having a connection problem related to the wireless network, you can report to our College Helpdesk at 210-486-4777 or send an email to nvc-helpdesk@alamo.edu. You can also stop by at MZH-106 or RLC-108 for Walk-In technical support assistance.
How can I request a new wireless location or service expansion?
Requests for new wireless locations or service expansions are submitted via Footprints. Once we receive this request, an Information & Communication Technology specialist will contact you to confirm details for this request. For special events that require wireless connectivity, consult with one of our Information & Communication Technology specialists.
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac - IEEE wireless defined standards. 1.3 gigabits per second (Gbps) is the newest speed most commonly cited as the 802.11ac standard. This is vastly quicker than 450Mbit per second speeds quoted on the 802.11n standard.
Acceptable Use Policy - Definition of what a user can and cannot do when using Alamo Colleges District Information Technology resources.
ALAMO_Guest - Guest wireless Access allow students and visitors to connect to the Internet at Northwest Vista College campus.
ALAMONet - Wireless network available to Northwest Vista College employees which authorizes access to the Internet and Alamo Colleges District network resources.
Bandwidth - The maximum amount of information that can be transferred over a network in a given amount of time.
Access Point - Alternatively referred to as a wireless router, an access point is the location of a wireless receiver that enables a user with wireless access to connect to a network or the Internet.
Wi-Fi - Short for 'Wireless Fidelity'. A short-range wireless technology that allows devices to connect to and transfer information wirelessly over a local area network.
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Northwest Vista College has approximately 150 wireless access points available. |
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The wireless coverage for each access point has an approximate range of 150 feet. |
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San Antonio wireless network boasts high speed and supports a 5GHz frequency range. |