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Wireless Networking

As a visitor to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), access to the ORNL wireless network is available to you in many of our buildings. To gain access, you must have a PC or other portable device with wireless capability. If your PC or portable device does not have wireless capability, a limited number of wired-to-wireless Ethernet bridges may be available from your host organization.

Logging into the ORNL Wireless Network

You must log into the ORNL Wireless Network by opening a window in a Web browser. Attempting to access the network through an email client or other network application will not redirect you to the Log-in Page.

  1. Complete the following steps to log in to the ORNL Wireless Network.
  2. Connect to the ORNL Wireless Network via wireless connection or via ORNL Visitor wired connection (where available.) (Network name = ornl-visitor)
  3. Open a Web browser and attempt to access any website. The browser automatically redirects you to the login page.
  4. Enter the appropriate information in the fields provided (i.e., Name, Contact Number, and Email Address.)
  5. Review and accept the "Accepted Use Policy." (Required)
  6. Click Connect.

Notes:

  • You will be brought to a window with a countdown. This is normal and will take approximately one minute to connect you to the network. Due to content caching, some smart phones may display the registration page even after being registered. Restarting the phone's browser or turning the phone off and back on should resolve this issue.
  • Registration of your device for visitor wireless access will expire after one (1) year. At that time you will be required to register your device again to regain visitor wireless access.

Troubleshooting Problems Connecting to Wireless Networks (Windows)

  1. The wireless switch on your computer is turned off.
    1. Many mobile PCs have a wireless switch on the front or side of the computer. Check your computer for a switch. If you do have a switch, make sure it's turned on. Some computers also use a function key combination to turn the switch on or off. Check the information that came with your computer for details on locating the wireless switch.
  2. Your computer is too far from the wireless router or access point.
    1. With different routers and access points, the maximum range varies from 50 feet (15 meters) to 150 feet (46 meters) indoors and 100 feet (30 meters) to 300 feet (92 meters) outdoors. These ranges are in optimal conditions with no interference. Make sure that your computer is within this range and as close as possible to the router or access point. If the computer is portable, try moving it around to determine the range of the wireless signal and the best place to put the computer.
    2. If you are unable to get closer to the router or access point, you might want to consider buying and installing an external antenna to your wireless network adapter. Many wireless network adapters are set up so that you can attach an external antenna to them, which will provide you with better reception than the built-in antenna. Check the information that came with your wireless network adapter to see if you can install an additional antenna.
  3. There is interference from other devices.
    1. Some home devices can cause interference between your computer and networks that might be in range. For example, microwave ovens and some cordless phones use the same frequency of the network hardware.
    2. If any devices like these are near your computer, turn them off temporarily or move them farther away.
  4. Verify that you are connected to the correct wireless network, ornl-visitor.
  5. Verify your wireless network adapter settings are correct by following these steps:
    1. (Windows 7) Click Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings (left hand column) > Right click Wireless Connection > Properties > highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 > Properties. Once in Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties, ensure that "Obtain an IP automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" are selected.
    2. (Windows 10) Click Search > type in "Change Wi-Fi Setting" > Change Adapter Options (right hand column) > Right click the wireless adapter > Properties > highlight "Internet Protocol Version 4" > Properties.  Once in Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties, ensure that "Obtain an IP automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" are selected.
  6. Turn off/on your wireless network adapter or reboot the device.
  7. Verify that your IP address starts with 10.78.X.X. if it does not, start back at step 5.
    1. To verify IP address, Click Start > control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Setting (left hand column) > right-click Wireless Connection > Status > Details. Look in this list for IPv4 Address.
  8. Try a different browser if available.
  9. If you are still unable to connect to the ORNL Wireless Network contact the ORNL Computer Helpline at (865) 241-6765.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi issues on Mac OS

  1. Make sure that Wi-Fi is on.
    1. Mac OS X allows you to turn your Wi-Fi (AirPort) card off entirely in case you do not wish to use it. Sometimes, the Wi-Fi card may be turned off accidentally. If your Wi-Fi interface is on and connected to a Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi menu will be bold. The Wi-Fi menu is in the top right corner of the screen.
    2. If Wi-Fi is off, choose Turn Wi-Fi On from the menu.
  2. If you are still not able to get online, make sure that your computer has joined the correct Wi-Fi network.
    1. Your Wi-Fi network should be listed in the Wi-Fi menu. The Wi-Fi network with which your Mac is associated will be checked.
    2. Select your network if it is not chosen. (ornl-visitor)
  3. If your computer has joined the correct Wi-Fi network but you are still unable to get online, you should check your TCP/IP settings in the Network pane of the System Preferences.
    1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu.
    2. Choose Network from the View menu.
    3. Select Wi-Fi, and then click the Advanced button in the lower-left hand corner of the screen.
    4. Select the TCP/IP tab from the top of the screen.
    5. If no IPv4 address appears, or if the IP address starts with "169.254.xxx.xxx", click "Renew DHCP Lease".
  4. Check your range to the nearest Wireless Network access point and reduce the effect of interference. If your computer is too far from your wireless access point or your environment has too much Wi-Fi interference, then your computer may not detect the Wi-Fi network properly. The easiest way to check for range limits with your Wi-Fi network is to move your computer closer to the wireless access point and make sure that there are no obstructions (such as walls, cabinets, and so forth) between the wireless access point and your computer.
    1. Sources of interference:
      1. Microwave ovens: Using your microwave oven near your computer, Bluetooth device, or Wi-Fi base station may cause interference.
      2. Direct Satellite Service (DSS) RF leakage: The coax cable and connectors used with certain types of satellite dishes may cause interference. Check the cable for damage and obtain newer cables if you suspect RF leakage.
      3. Certain external electrical sources such as power lines, electrical railroad tracks, and power stations.
      4. 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz phones: A cordless telephone that operates in this range may cause interference with wireless devices or networks when used.
      5. Video senders (transmitters/receivers) that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidth.
      6. Wireless speakers that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band.
      7. Certain external monitors and LCD displays: Certain displays may emit harmonic interference, especially in the 2.4GHz band between channels 11 and 14. This interference may be at its worst if you have a portable computer with the lid closed and an external monitor connected to it.
      8. Any other "wireless" devices that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidth (microwaves, cameras, baby monitors, neighbors' wireless devices, and so on).
  5. If you are still unable to connect to the ORNL Wireless Network contact the ORNL Computer Helpline at (865) 241-6765.

Printing on the ORNL Wireless Network

Multiple Print Using Badge (PUB) printers have been placed Lab wide for you to retrieve your print jobs from. You will need to email any documents to be printed to PUBprint@ornl.gov to receive a Release Key you can enter at any PUB Print location to release your print jobs. Instructions are available at: http://web.ornl.gov/ornlhome/visitor_printers.shtml

What are the risks of connecting to an unencrypted public wireless network?

If you do connect to a network that is not secure, be aware that someone with the right tools can see everything that you do, including the websites you visit, the documents you work on, and the user names and passwords you use. You should not work on documents or visit websites that contain personal information, such as your bank records, while you are connected to that network.

To protect your personal information, we strongly encourage you to use tools such as secure (https) browsing, your own VPN, and other data encryption methods. Users should install and use a personal firewall, antivirus software, as well as OS updates and security patches.

ORNL Wireless Network Access Acceptable Use Policy

This policy is a guide to the acceptable use of the ORNL Wireless Network. Any individual connected to the ORNL Wireless Network in order to use it directly, or to connect to any other network(s), must comply with this policy. By using the ORNL Wireless Network you agree that you understand there is no expectation of privacy for your activities on the ORNL Wireless Network. ORNL retains the right to monitor all network traffic, to access the contents of any network traffic, and to disclose all or part of information gained to authorized individuals or agencies, all without prior notice to, or consent from, any user, sender, or addressee. Please note that web content filtering is utilized on the ORNL Wireless Network to flag or outright block certain categories of content that ORNL has deemed malicious, objectionable or counterproductive to conducting business at ORNL (e.g. pornography, hacking tools, gambling sites, etc.)

The following guidelines will be applied to determine whether or not a particular use of the ORNL Wireless Network is appropriate:

  • Users must observe the privacy rights of others. Users shall not intentionally seek information on, or represent themselves as, another user unless explicitly authorized to do so by that user. Executing any form of network monitoring which will intercept data not intended for the User is not acceptable.
  • Users must comply with the legal protection applied to programs, data, photographs, music, written documents and other material as provided by copyright, trademark, patent, licensure and other proprietary rights mechanisms.
  • Users shall not intentionally develop or use programs that harass other users or infiltrate any other computer, computing system or network and/or damage or alter the software components or file systems of a computer, computing system or network.
  • Use of the ORNL Wireless Network for malicious, fraudulent, or misrepresentative purposes is not acceptable. Transmission of any material that violates applicable laws or regulations, including, but not limited to, any copyrighted material, material protected by a trade secret or material or messages that are unlawful, harassing, libelous, abusive, threatening, harmful, vulgar, obscene or otherwise objectionable in any manner or nature or that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, national or international laws or regulations is not acceptable.
  • The ORNL Wireless Network may not be used in a manner that impairs network access by others. Nor may the ORNL Wireless Network be used in a manner that impairs access to other networks connected to the ORNL network. Port or security scanning is not acceptable. Introduction of malicious programs into the network or server (e.g., viruses, worms, Trojan horses, e-mail bombs, etc.) is prohibited. Using any program/script/command to intentionally circumvent or disable ORNL's security infrastructure is not acceptable.
  • Unsolicited advertising is not acceptable. Making fraudulent offers of products, items, or services originating from any ORNL network resource is not acceptable. Sending unsolicited email messages, including the sending of "junk mail" or other advertising material to individuals who did not specifically request such material (email spam) is not acceptable.
  • Repeated, unsolicited and/or unwanted communication of an intrusive nature is not acceptable. Continuing to send e-mail messages or other communications to an individual or organization after being asked to stop is not acceptable. Sending any form of harassment via email, telephone or paging, whether through language, frequency, or size of messages is not acceptable.

By using the ORNL Wireless Network you are becoming a party to and agree to be bound by this Acceptable Use Policy. By logging on, you agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify ORNL and its managing and operating contractor for any damages that may result from your access to the Internet or inappropriate usage. The intent of this policy is to identify certain types of uses that are not appropriate, but this policy does not necessarily enumerate all possible inappropriate uses. You furthermore acknowledge that you have read and understand the Acceptable Use Policy and agree to be bound by the Acceptable Use Policy in effect and as updated by us from time to time. If you do not agree to be bound by the Acceptable Use Policy, you may not use the ORNL Wireless Network and you should cancel your request. If you do not agree to be bound by the Acceptable Use Policy, ORNL will be under no obligation to provide you with access to the ORNL Wireless Network.

The Services may be terminated due to a breach of the Acceptable Use Policy at any time.

By clicking "I Agree" you accept the above acceptable use policy.