Students, faculty and staff may bring a laptop computer to the Library and use the wireless network or a wired network connection to access the Internet. To use the network, a laptop computer must have a wireless network card or an Ethernet adapter. Network connections are available throughout the Library. There is wireless network coverage in most areas of the Library.
What you need to get connected
- You need a laptop computer
- Your laptop's operating system must have the TCP/IP protocol installed and be set to use dynamic IP addressing (see How do I get connected?)
- You will need to change proxy server settings on your web browser (see Proxy Server Settings)
- You need an SMC Student Network Account
- You need to login to the network (see Authentication)
- For wired access
- Your laptop must have a network card
- You need a network patch cable with RJ45 connectors
- For wireless access
- You need a wireless network card that supports the 802.11b or 802.11g protocols
Security Concerns
- Please do not leave your laptop unattended! The Library is not responsible for stolen equipment.
- Please avoid extending network and electrical cables across aisles where they might be safety hazards.
Follow the Computer Use Policies
The use of the campus network in the Library requires adherence to the SMC Library Computer Use Policy and the SMC Student Computer Use Policy. Misuse of computing and network resources or non-compliance with written usage policies may result in loss of your network access via this service.
Need Help?
If you have questions please read our FAQ, or talk to a reference librarian or fill out our Problem report form and a Library staff member will contact you.
How do I get connected?
Wireless Connection
You will need to use the wireless configuration utility provided by your operating system or wireless card vendor to configure access to the wireless network. The SMC wireless network is running three SSIDs. The SSID names are case-sensitive and must be entered as shown in the table below.
SSIDs and their Security Levels
SSID Name
|
Encryption
|
Security |
smcwifi-open
|
None
|
None
|
smcwifi-wep
|
WEP
|
Poor
|
smcwifi-wpa
|
WPA
|
Good
|
If your laptop supports it, you should use WPA because it is the most secure. Otherwise use WEP.
Notes
- The key for the smcwifi-wep SSID is: 12345678901234567890123456
- The smcwifi-wpa SSID will require a second login to authenticate to the domain.
Wired Connection
Plug one end of the patch cable into the network port on the carrel desktop and the other into the Ethernet adapter in your laptop.
If you purchased your laptop with an Ethernet adapter already installed, you may not need to change any settings to connect. If you need to configure your laptop to use dynamic IP addressing (DHCP) please see these instructions.
Proxy Server Settings
You must set your browser to use the proxy server or you will be unable to access the internet. Follow the instructions below to set your web browser to use the proxy server.
Proxy Settings for Firefox for PC
In the Firefox browser, go to Tools -- Options -- Advanced -- Network -- Settings and checkmark the box labelled Auto-detect proxy settings for this network. Click OK to close all windows and you are done.
Proxy Settings for Internet Explorer
In Internet Explorer, go to Tools -- Internet Options then select the Connections tab and select LAN Settings. Checkmark the box, "Automatically detect settings". Click OK to close all windows and you are done.
If the "Automatically detect settings" option does not work for you or is not available on your browser then you can manually configure your proxy settings as follows: place a checkmark in the "Use a proxy server for your LAN" box. In the Address box type: proxy1.smc.edu and in the Port box type: 80. Checkmark the box, "Bypass proxy server for local addresses". Click OK to close all windows and you are done.
Authentication
When you first start your web browser you will be prompted to login. You must login before you can access the network. Use your SMC Student Network account username and password to login. If you do not have an SMC Student Network account you can get one here.
You may see a Security alert. Answer Yes to the prompt, which is warning you that the security certificate was not signed by a recognized ceritificating authority.
Login screen for wired network connections
Note: Do not use the Guest login option. It will not allow you to access the network!
Login screen for wireless network connections
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are there wireless access points at SMC?
We are in the process of expanding our wireless coverage. Currently, there are access points at the Library, the Cayton Center, the Cafeteria, the Clocktower and Bookstore areas (outside), the Humanities and Social Sciences buildings (HSS), the 3rd floor of Drescher Hall, the 2nd floor of the Business building, at the Madison Campus, at AET, and at the Bundy campus. Several of these access points also reach some of the adjacent areas. The next area to have wireless access installed will be the new campus Quad.
Where do I get a cable or a network card?
Network cards and patch cables are available at most computer retailers. The Library does not provide these accessories.
Can I print from my laptop?
We currently don't have printer access available from student laptop computers. It is advised that you save your files to floppy and print them from computers in the Library, or print at home.
Who is eligible to use this service?
All currently-enrolled students, faculty and staff with a valid SMC network account are eligible to use the network ports and the wireless network in the Library.
What network services are available?
Only web access is allowed (http and https). If you set your proxy server setting appropriately (see Proxy Server Settings) you can access webservers running on nonstandard ports. Library network ports and the wireless network do not allow access to any non-web services such as telnet, FTP, SMTP, POP, etc.
I can only connect to SMC websites, not any others!
You need to change your proxy server settings, as explained here.
It doesn't work!
Try closing all running applications. If you are running MS Windows, close those running in the System Tray (right side of Taskbar) Applications which are trying to access the network may interfere with your ability to authenticate to the wireless network. Personal firewall software can also prevent you from accessing the network. Check your network settings. Make sure you are not trying to use any non-SMC proxy server, nameserver or gateway.
I tried all of this and it still doesn't work!
Contact us and we will assist you.
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