On this page: Overview | Connect to BC's wireless | FAQ | Plus: Tips to improve wireless service in residence halls

Overview

The BC wireless network allows faculty, staff, students, and visitors of Boston College to access the Internet and network resources, such as email and the Web, from many different locations on campus without having to plug in a network cable. This provides increased flexibility and productivity for members of the BC community.

Availability

The BC wireless network is available in many locations on campus, including libraries, residence hall study lounges, classrooms, dining halls, and even outdoor common areas. For more information, see the  wireless campus maps (BC sign-in required) or the  list of buildings and areas on campus with BC wireless network access.

Improve your wireless service in residence halls

Read these tips to improve wireless service in residence halls.

Connect to BC's wireless

Secure wireless (bcsecure) is offered to members of the Boston College community who have a BC username and password. Bcsecure, secure wireless, provides access to the BC high-speed wireless network with encrypted transmission of data, offering a much greater degree of privacy and security. BC faculty, staff, and students are strongly encouraged to use this service. Learn how to configure your laptop: Windows Vista | Windows XP | Mac OS X (BC sign-in required)

BostonCollege is offered to members of the Boston College community who have a BC username and password. BostonCollege provides easy access to the Boston College high-speed wireless network. BostonCollege is not a secure wireless network but is an alternative for older laptops that do not meet the requirements for bcsecure. Learn how to configure your laptop: Windows Vista | Windows XP | Mac OS X

BostonCollege (for guest access) is available to guests of the University, including visiting faculty, conference/meeting attendees, colleagues from other institutions, sports media, parents, and friends who do not have a BC username and password. Guests may select the BostonCollege wireless service and setup as a Guest. Guest access provides limited, temporary Internet connections. Learn how to configure your laptop: Windows XP | Mac OS X   = BC sign-in required Important: If you are hosting a visitor who will require access to the Internet while at BC, please provide them with printed copies of the information about BC Visitor Network Access.

FAQ

1. Who can use the wireless services at Boston College?
2. What is the difference between bcsecure and the BostonCollege wireless service?
3. I have a wireless network at home, will I still be able to use my wireless network at home?
4. What kind of wireless card do I need to be able to use the wireless services at BC?
5. What do I need for my laptop to use bcsecure, the secure wireless service?
6. Where do I go if I need assistance using the BC wireless service?
7. I am a visitor to Boston College. How can I access the Internet using wireless service at BC?

1. Who can use the wireless services at Boston College?
   Faculty, staff, students, and guests of Boston College may use the wireless network at BC. Faculty, staff, and students are strongly encouraged to use bcsecure, the secure wireless service, which provides greater privacy and data security.


2. What is the difference between bcsecure and BostonCollege wireless service?
   Bcsecure is a secure wireless network service that connects to the Internet using WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2). WPA2 encrypts your data before it is transmitted over the wireless network. Bcsecure is available to BC faculty, students, and staff with an active BC username and password.
   BostonCollege is an open, unsecured, wireless network service. It does not encrypt data. Therefore, information sent across the wireless network using BostonCollege is “in the clear.” Others might snoop or intercept data transmitted using the unsecured wireless service.


3. I have a wireless network at home, will I still be able to use my wireless network at home?
   Yes. Configuring your laptop to use any of the BC wireless services should not affect your home wireless network access.


4. What kind of wireless card do I need to be able to use the wireless services at BC?
   You need an 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, or combination wireless network card.


5. What do I need for my computer to use bcsecure, the secure wireless service?
   Secure Wireless Requirements for Windows:
   • BC username and password
   • 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g or combination wireless network card that is WPA2 compliant (typically manufactured after 2004)
   • Windows XP with SP2 and greater
   • Microsoft Secure Wireless hot-fix for Windows XP and updated wireless card driver (available in the instructions link listed below)
   • Complete all steps to connect to the BC Secure Wireless Network: Windows XP | Windows Vista
   Secure Wireless Requirements for Macintosh:
   • BC username and password
   • AirPort compatible wireless card
   • OSX 10.3.9 or greater (Panther, Tiger, or Leopard)
   • Operating system updates (available in the instructions link listed below)
   • Complete all steps to connect to the BC Secure Wireless Network: Mac OS X


6. Where do I go if I need assistance using the BC wireless service?
   Contact the Help Center at 617-552-HELP (4357) or via email at help.center@bc.edu.


7. I am a visitor to Boston College. How can I access the Internet using wireless service at BC?
   Boston College provides guests of the University, including parents, visitors, conference/meeting attendees, colleagues from other institutions, and sports media, with limited, temporary, Internet connections. Learn more about visitor network access.