Pratt IT

If you have a laptop or wireless capable handheld, you can access DukeNet via 802.11b wireless throughout Hudson Hall and Teer Library. All you need is an 802.11b wireless card. These cards are available from the Duke Computer Store as well as local & online computer merchants.

We are NOT using WEP encryption. All access points at Duke have encryption turned off so don't spend extra money on 'gold' series cards that have 128-bit WEP, etc. We recommend using the Orinoco Silver card which can be found online for about $75. If you are worried about transmitting data wirelessly without encryption, we recommend you install Duke's Virtual Private Networking client to encrypt all your wireless transmissions.

The process for getting onto Duke's wireless network is easy. All wireless access points are tied into a central authentication server so they must be registered. Only wireless cards which are registered with OIT can be used at Duke.

1. Get a wireless card. Don't spend extra for 'better' WEP - its not used here. Use VPN instead.
2. Follow the directions that came with your card to install the drivers and utilities for the card.
3. You will often be prompted for a 'network name/ID' or 'SSID' and many drivers require this setting. Enter 'DUKE'
4. Once your card is associated with Duke's network, open a web browser and go to any web site. You will be redirected to a registration page. Enter your Duke NetID and password to register your card and then restart your computer.
5. That's it! If you're within range of an Access Point, you're card's utility should show that it is 'associated' NOTE You will have to re-register your wireless card each semester.

For more information on the wireless network at Duke, visit OIT's Wireless Information Page

If you're having trouble getting your wireless card working, contact OIT's Helpdesk if you're a student or your local system administrator if you're faculty/staff.

If you find an area at Pratt that isn't wireless capable, let us know at support@pratt.duke.edu