Wireless Network Access FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I access the wireless network?
A. Open any browser on your laptop while you are on campus and you will see the CSUN Wireless Network Login page. Use your CSUN Username and Password to log in to the CSUN network.  If the Wireless Network Login page does not display, read the Wireless Network Access Guide for information on setting up your computer to connect to the CSUN wireless network. All wireless users must adhere to the CSUN Use of Computing Resources Policy.

Q. Can I connect my smartphone/PDA to the CSUN wireless network?
A. If your smartphone has a data service plan, you can access the Internet as you do today with no changes. If your smartphone has Wi-Fi/Wireless access and has a web browser, you will be able to access the CSUN wireless network by opening your browser and entering your username and password on the CSUN Wireless Network Login page. 

Q. Why do I need to enter a Username and Password to access the wireless network?
A. CSUN has adopted the new wireless authentication process to provide a familiar and user-friendly login interface for wireless users, to eliminate the cumbersome initial set-up process of registering a MAC/Hardware address, and to streamline wireless access for large groups of visitors at campus events and conferences, and to associate security with persons not devices.

Q. Do I still need to register my MAC, or hardware address to access the wireless network?
A: No, the new wireless authentication process replaces the need to register your computer’s MAC (Media Access Control) address with the IT Help Desk.

Q. How often am I required to login to the wireless network?
A: You will only have to login once per day and will be automatically logged off at 3:00 AM each day. If you are logged into the network at 3:00 AM, you will be prompted to re-enter your username and password in order to continue working on the wireless network.

Q. How do I log off the wireless network?
A. A small "Logout" window displays when you login to the wireless network. Open the "Logout" window and click "Logout" when you are ready to end your wireless network session. If you closed the "Logout" window click https://wireless.csun.edu/cgi-bin/login?cmd=popup and click "Logout".
Note: If your browser is set to disable pop-ups, the "Logout" window will not display. To enable the "Logout" window for display, change your browser settings to allow pop-ups from wireless.csun.edu.

Q. Do I have to login to the VPN after logging into the wireless network?
A. Use of the Virtual Private Network (VPN) is not required, although its use is recommended to provide secure access to the internet. If you do login to the VPN you will not be asked to login using the Wireless Login page to access the internet while on campus.
Q. Is my connection to the CSUN wireless network secure?
A. The CSUN Wireless network does not provide a secure connection to the Internet.  It is highly recommended that for anything other than basic web browsing, users connect to the campus Virtual Private Network (VPN) when using the wireless network.
Q. Can I access the wireless network from more than one computer at the same time?
A. Yes.

Q. I am a guest at CSUN, how can I access the wireless network?
A. Contact the IT Help Desk at (818) 677-1400 to obtain a guest username and password.

Q. My browser is configured to launch multiple tabs on start up. Do I need to login on each tab?
A. No, you only need to enter your CSUN username and password on one page. You may need to close your browser and open it again.
Q: Where can I access the wireless network on campus?

A. The wireless network is accessible throughout most areas of the campus. Check the Wireless Access Map to view those areas where wireless access is available.

Q. I am having problems with my online chat software, is this because of the wireless network?

A. IT is aware of and is working on some known issues with connecting to chat programs such as Trillian from the CSUN wireless network. You can connect to Trillian and other chat programs by first connecting to the VPN.

Q: How do I connect my non-web browser device to the network?

A. Contact the IT Help Desk at (818) 677-1400 for assistance.