Getting Connected @ UHD

UHD Wireless

UHD’s wireless network infrastructure is currently designed to support the most common wireless cards currently available that meet minimum standards.  Any wireless card that fully supports the 802.11b wireless standard will be able to connect to UHDwireless network. Note that many laptops already have built in wireless.

A laptop, Tablet PC, or handheld device with wireless capability. Your existing device may already have this capability built-in. If not, you can purchase a wireless network card for most laptops at any major electronics retailer.
(Must be 802.11b compliant.)

Web Browser - You can use any standard Internet-ready browser.

Wireless Accounts

User Account - Faculty, staff, and students can access UHD's wireless network with their existing computer account username and password.

Alumni Account - UHD Alumni may request a computer account for use on the wireless network.  To request an account, please contact the Academic Computing Lab (800S).  Alumni are required to abide by the Regulations for Using Academic Computing Facilities and Resources at the University of Houston-Downtown.

Guest Account  - Guest accounts for the UHD network are provided as a courtesy for official visitors to the University.  To obtain a Guest Account, ask your campus sponsor to complete the Wireless Network Account Request Form and submit this form to the Information Technology Office located in S-700, Main Building.

Coverage Areas

• One Main Building
  • North & South Towers (all floors)
  • Academic Building (all floors)
• Commerce Building (all floors)
• Shea Building (all floors)
• Willow Street Pump Station
• Student Life Center

Secure Connection

Wireless Security Guide
Wireless networks utilize radio technologies which by their nature may be intercepted by specially designed equipment.  Although many network operations (such as credit card and banking transactions) are made secure by the hosting system, wireless users need to be aware that general communications and web transactions are not by their nature secure.

As a user of the UHDwireless Network, you acknowledge and accept this security risk.  If general wireless security is an issue to you, Information Technology at University of Houston-Downtown provides a security protocol that you may want to consider.

Can't find what you're looking for?
Contact the Help Desk.

Remote Desktop Connection

How do I connect to my computer remotely?

Faculty and staff may connect to their computer remotely while on-campus or off-campus. Configure your computer by following the documentation procedures for Remote Desktop Connection.

What is VPN and When is it Required?

University of Houston-Downtown strongly encourages the use of security protocols.  The use of encrypted protocols like Virtual Private Network (VPN) ensures that your transactions are encrypted and secure.  Information sent over the wireless network that is not encrypted is insecure and may allow others to view any and all information sent over the wireless network.

When off-campus (e.g. - at home), a computer must have the encrypted protocol Virtual Private Network (VPN) software installed to ensure that transactions are encrypted and secured. 

1. Download installation Instructions for VPN.
2. Visit the Software Download center to download the appropriate version of VPN software for your home computer. VPN Client software is available for Windows XP, Vista, Mac OS X and Mac OS 9.

Can't find what you're looking for?
Visit the Help Desk

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I access the wireless network?
• Is the wireless environment secure and private?
• What operating systems are supported?
• What kind of speeds can I expect from the wireless network?
• My PDA has wireless capabilities. Is it possible to use  it on UHDWireless?
• Will I be able to use my wireless equipment at other sites?
• Can I get any help if I am having a problem or need information?

How do I access the wireless network?
Once in a coverage area, turn on your wireless device (i.e. laptop) and connect to Internet using a web browser.  You will be automatically redirected to the UHDwireless site.  If you are a current faculty, staff, or student, log in on the left of the screen with your current network user name and password.  See below for log in screen.

Alumni and guests must complete the proper paper work to obtain an account.

Is the wireless environment secure and private?
See Wireless Security Guide for more information on security options.

What operating systems are supported?

• Windows XP
• Windows 2000
• Windows ME
• Windows 98 SE
• Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X
• LINUX
• Tablet PC
• Pocket PC

What kind of speeds can I expect from the wireless network?
You get up to 11 Mbps (mega bytes per second), which is 11,264 Kbps, but like high speed cable you have slow downs due to bandwidth sharing (the more people using the same access point, the slower the speed).

 

My PDA has wireless capabilities. Is it possible to use it on UHDwireless?
Yes. Any device that supports the 802.11b standard should be able to the use UHDwireless network. You just need to setup the SSID as "UHDwireless".

 

Will I be able to use my wireless equipment at other sites?
The 802.11b and compatible wireless cards that are supported at UHD represent the most widely used wireless standard at the present time. Therefore, the equipment is likely to be supported at some other sites with wireless networks.  However, availability and authentication/security practices at other sites need to be coordinated through the local Information Technology office (at the site where you wish to use the wireless infrastructure).  In addition to access, security, and authentication issues, the PC/laptop to be used in the environment will need to be configured based on the specific environment.

Can I get any help if I am having a problem or need information?
Please contact the Help Desk at extension 3000, or 713-221-8031.  You may also e-mail your questions or comments to help@uhd.edu.

Can't find what you're looking for?
Contact the Help Desk.