Tech Guides :: Connection :: Wireless Access
Wireless Internet Access at HSU
Wireless access is available from several Access Points or Hotspots on campus using any Wi-Fi enabled computer or device for HSU students, staff and faculty with a valid HSU User Name and Password. Guest access is also available. Please contact the Help Desk for setting up a guest account.
Wireless Requirements
HSU User Name and Password - Your HSU User Name is your HSU email login and your HSU User Name Password is your HSU email password. If you have not activated your HSU email account or do not know your HSU User Name and Password, go to the WebReg login page.
Network Card - You must have an 802.11b compatible network card.
Service Set Identifier (SSID) - HSUWireless is the broadcast ID. This should be automatically detected once you have set up your computer or device for wireless connection.
Security Guidelines - In order to connect to the wireless network, you will be required to have a current operating system and anti-virus software. Read the Security Guidelines in detail.
Wireless Hotspot Locations
Humboldt State offers a number of wireless hotspots around campus.
Hotspot Location (PDF)
Connect a Laptop, PowerBook or PDA
You must configure your computer to connect to the wireless. Once you have connected to the network, you will be required to register using your HSU User Name and password.
Due to differing hardware vendors and software environments, each user is responsible for configuring their own equipment to make a connection to the HSU wireless system. Instructions for some of the most common operating systems are shown below. If you need further assistance, contact the Help Desk by email, phone or walk-in.
| How To Connect | How To Register |
| Macintosh OS X | Macintosh OS X |
| Windows XP | Windows XP |
| Vista (coming soon) | Windows Vista |
| Linux: Connect to 'HSUWireless' | Linux |
Increased Security in Spring, 2008
On January 7, 2008, network security will be enhanced, providing a more secure and reliable environment for everyone on campus. At that time the Client Security Agent (CSA) will scan your computer, checking to ensure that you have curent operating system patches and anti-virus software. You can get prepared now by configuring your operating system and anti-virus software to perform automatic updates. Don't have anti-virus software? Find out where to get anti-virus software. Read the Security Guidelines in detail.
Wireless vs Wired
Wireless connectivity is slower than our wired connections and there may be instances when the need for higher bandwidth makes using a wired connection preferable. However, for many applications, such as web browsing and email, our wireless connectivity should be sufficient. Some examples of situations where wireless is not preferred include applications that shouldn't operate over an unsecured network and working with confidential information or files.
Security Issues in Using Wireless LANs
Although HSU endeavors to use the most secure available wireless technology, researchers have found that current wireless protocols can be compromised by a determined intruder. In other words, using certain available tools, an intruder can "listen in" on your wireless traffic. Therefore, it is important to be sure that you avoid sending unprotected personal information over HSU's wireless network.
The names of the sites you visit and the search terms you send to Google, for example, can generally be read by an intruder. The same is true of the contents of any web-based e-mail messages that you read or send, unless the e-mail web site is encrypted by means of SSL (which HSU's webmail uses) or other secure encryption.
You can usually tell if a web site is using SSL encryption by the presence of a "lock" icon in the lower right-hand corner of the screen; in addition, the address at the top of the screen will have the prefix "https://" instead of the usual "http://". Most banks and other financial institutions, and some commercial sites, will present you with an SSL-protected web page before they accept your login name and password or other sensitive information. But if they don't, please avoid sending such information over the HSU wireless network.
HSU has restricted the use of e-mail "client" software on its wireless network so that only the "safer" or encrypted version of such e-mail will work, and, as noted, the University also uses SSL for its webmail. However, that protection will not be present with most other web-based e-mail services.
Note that, because of the current weakness of wireless security, you will not be allowed to access certain HSU resources from the campus wireless network. The list of services (ports) which are permitted from the HSU wireless network appears in the next section of this page. If you are faculty or staff, please contact your local Information Technology Consultant (ITC) if you need access to additional HSU resources. They can help suggest possible solutions.
Please feel free to direct any questions about this notice or HSU's wireless security in general to the HSU Information Security Office at x3815.
Server Ports for Wireless Access
| Ports Enabled for HSU Wireless Access | ||
| Port(s) | Protocol | Description |
| 22 | TCP | SSH |
| 80 | TCP | HTTP |
| 443 | TCP | SSL HTTP |
| 500 | UDP | L2TP VPN |
| 587 | TCP | Authenticated SMTP |
| 993 | TCP | Secure IMAP |
| 995 | TCP | Secure POP |
| 1701 | UDP | L2TP traffic |
| 1723 | TCP | PPTP tunnel (and permit IP Type 47 GRE) |
| 2095 | TCP | cPanel webmail |
| 2096 | TCP | cPanel SSL webmail |
| 2401 | TCP | CVS |
| 2401 | UDP | CVS |
| 3869 | TCP | iTunes |
| 5000-5001 | TCP | Voice Chat |
| 5000-5010 | UDP | Voice Chat |
| 5050 | TCP | Chat & Messenger |
| 5100 | TCP | WebCam |
| 5190-5193 | TCP | AOL |
| 5222-5231 | TCP | Secure Jabber |
| 5353 | UDP | iTunes |
| 8991, 9003-9004 | TCP | XtremeSearch (library application) |
