Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I configure my computer for wireless networking on campus?
- What is the Safe Connect wireless network CAMPUS?
- How will the changes affect me?
- Will it work with any operating system or computer (Windows-based system, Macintosh, Palm, Windows CE)?
- Will something be installed on my computer?
- What happens when my computer tries to connect to the network?
- What username and password do I use to log in?
- What if I don’t need access to the internal network (Intranet) and need access only to services on the Internet (i.e. Web browsing, e-mail, etc.)?
- What if my computer or wireless device cannot connect because it doesn’t support the new secure standards?
- What if I have problems connecting?
- Are MCGHI employees affected?
- I’m an MCG employee and work in an MCGHI facility; does Safe Connect CAMPUS impact me?
- What can I access when quarantined?
- Can I download operating system software security updates while quarantined?
- When I run Windows Update Services, I get a message that the product key used to install windows is invalid. Why?
- Do I have to use the policy key?
- What happens if I uninstall the policy key?
- How do I know the policy key is running?
- Is the policy key compatible with my system?
- What does the policy key actually do?
- What are the benefits?
- What if my system is not up to date?
- Is my privacy protected?
- What is an "access point?"
- Can I set-up my own access point?
- How do I configure my handheld device (Palm, IPAQ, Blackberry, etc.) for wireless networking on campus?
- How do I get WLAN installed in my office, suite or building in the MCG Hospital or Clinics (buildings BA, BB, BP and BT)?
- How do I know if my computer is acting as a Network Bridge?
- Is the wireless network voice-ready?
- Can I use wireless networking instead of using existing or having new wired connections installed in our area?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I configure my computer for wireless networking on campus
You will need an 802.11B or G network card and also the proper SSID (wireless network name). Contact the IT Service Desk at 706-721-4000 or e-mail for details.
You may also visit the Service Desk in person on the first floor of the Greenblatt Library.
Hours of Service:
Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
2. What is the Safe Connect wireless network CAMPUS?
A new secure wireless network has three new features:
- Network traffic is encrypted at all points, preventing network prowlers from seeing or capturing data.
- It is restricted to personnel with a MCG netID.
- All Microsoft Windows computers will be inspected to ensure they can automatically install critical updates.
3. How will the changes affect me?
The existing wireless network, MCG_WIND, will be reconfigured to access Internet services only, similar to access from hotels, restaurants and home. Safe Connect CAMPUS can access both Intranet and Internet resources, just like a device connected to the wired network.
4. Will it work with any operating system or computer (Windows-based system, Macintosh, Palm, Windows CE)?
Safe Connect CAMPUS works with any device with a web browser. Only devices with the Microsoft Windows operating system require an agent to be installed and will be inspected for critical patch update configuration.
5. Will something be installed on my computer?
All systems will receive a policy key enabling the computer to access the encrypted network. Initially, only devices running a version of Microsoft Windows will be required to install a key.
6. What happens when my computer tries to connect to the network?
All computers will be prompted to log into the network through a Web browser.
Devices with the Windows operating system will be scanned (usually in less than 10 seconds) to ensure proper configuration for the critical updates.
7. What username and password do I use to log in?
Your MCG netID.
8. What if I don’t need access to the internal network (Intranet) and need access only to services on the Internet (i.e. Web browsing, e-mail, etc.)?
Safe Connect CAMPUS is still the best way to connect to network resources. MCG_WIND will be available for Internet access only and will continue to operate with installed security.
9. What if my computer or wireless device cannot connect because it doesn’t support the new secure standards?
The existing MCG_WIND network will accommodate legacy devices that do not support encryption, authentication or inspection.
10. What if I have problems connecting?
Contact the ITSS Service Desk at 706-721-4000 or .
You may also visit the Service Desk in person on the first floor of the Greenblatt Library.
Hours of Service:
Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
11. Are MCGHI employees affected?
No. MCGHI employees should continue to use the MCGHI wireless network.
12. I’m an MCG employee and work in an MCGHI facility; does Safe Connect CAMPUS impact me?
Safe Connect CAMPUS) will be available in all MCGHI facilities, with the same access requirements.
13. What can I access when quarantined?
On-campus remediation services such as anti-virus software and Internet sites such as Microsoft Windows Update Services, along with other on-campus resources you may need.
14. Can I download operating system software security updates while quarantined?
Yes. Windows Updates can be downloaded and installed during quarantine mode. The same applies to virus definitions for Symantec.
15. When I run Windows Update Services, I get a message that the product key used to install windows is invalid. Why?
Windows Update will fail if your Windows Operating System is not properly licensed. You must have a legal copy of the operating system to connect to the university network. Contact the ITSS Service Desk at 706-721-4000 or with questions.
16. Do I have to use the policy key?
Yes. All Microsoft Windows PCs must use the policy key to ensure a safe computing environment for all.
17. What happens if I uninstall the policy key?
Within minutes, you will be unable to access the network and must reinstall the policy key as if you are a new user to gain network access.
18. How do I know the policy key is running?
On Windows machines with Windows 2000 or Windows XP, you can right-click any blank space on the task bar at the bottom of your screen and select the option "Task Manager.” When the Windows Task Manager appears, click the "Processes" tab and look for "PolicyKey.exe.”
19. Is the policy key compatible with my system?
Yes, and it is required for Windows Systems. Macintosh, Linux and FreeBSD machines are not required to install the Policy Key.
20. What does the policy key actually do?
It continuously validates that your system has the minimum security software running and up-to-date as per MCG policy.
The policy key is part of MCG’s effort to protect computers from viruses and operating system security holes. Machines protected in this way generally perform much better and require much less downtime due to damage caused by malicious software.
22. What if my system is not up to date?
Your computer will be quarantined. While quarantined, you will have access to update servers for your operating system and anti-virus software.
Yes. The policy key scans only for Windows update services compliance and anti-virus status. No user data is collected or stored.
24. What is an ‘access point' ?
A Wireless LAN (WLAN) access point provides the link between the 'wired' and 'wireless' networks, with a 2.4GHz transceiver for wireless communication and an Ethernet jack for connection into the network. The unit is typically attached to a wall or ceiling in a location that best serves the coverage area. Each Access Point will service approximately 30 concurrent users based upon the type and volume of information being transmitted. Our access points support both 802.11B and 802.11G standards; 802.11A is not supported.
25. Can I set-up my own access point?
Personal wireless APs are not allowed. When an unauthorized access point is detected the datajack will be disabled immediately.
26. How do I configure my handheld device (Palm, IPAQ, Blackberry, etc.) for wireless networking on campus?
Contact the IT Service Desk at 706-721-4000 or e-mail for details.
27. How do I get WLAN installed in my office, suite or building in the MCG Hospital or Clinics (buildings BA, BB, BP and BT)?
Access Points in the Hospital and Clinics are managed and supported by MCG Health Inc. Telecommunications services as a separate component of the networking infrastructure. You will have to register your device before being allowed access; their “Wireless Connection Request” form is available at hi.mcg.edu/service_request/wireless/. Contact them at 706-721-7500 or e-mail HELPHI.
28. How do I know if my computer is acting as a Network Bridge?
Check your network settings. Some computers that have been brought to campus are configured with both LAN and wireless connections and programmed to bridge traffic between the two. Any time such a machine becomes active with both LAN and wireless connections, it creates a loop causing spanning tree to possibly shut down parts of the network in that segment. At best, this will result in poor performance in part of the network, and at worst, total loss of connectivity in part of the network. Another aspect of this is real poor performance for the user's computer. Please make sure you are not configured to act as a Network Bridge.
29. Is the wireless network voice-ready?
Not at this time. However, there are plans to incorporate this service in the future.
30. Can I use wireless networking instead of using existing or having new wired connections installed in our area?
No. Wireless is intended for mobile devices only. Fixed location devices such as printers, cameras or desktop workstations should be wired to the network for performance and security reasons. Devices that require a static or reserved IP address also must be wired to the network.
Contact Us:
Information Technology
Support & Services
1120 15th Street
Augusta, GA 30912
706-721-4000
Page maintained by:
ITSS
