A wireless network has been provided by the school for use by all students, faculty, and staff members.  The wireless network is based on the IEEE 802.11b WiFi standard and provides a maximum data transfer rate of 11 Mbps.  The wireless network is secured with a 64-bit WEP encryption key to protect the privacy of data.

The wireless network signal name is NYLSSecure. This network is continually being updated to provide you a secure wireless network experience. When a laptop user accesses the network, you will be prompted to enter your NYLS network ID and password. At that time, a software client for Clean Access will be installed (this only occurs the first time you log in). Clean Access then checks your laptop for the most recent Windows security patches and Anti-Virus software and data files. Non-Windows operating systems will NOT be checked for patches and anti-virus. Those users will be able to log in and gain immediate access to the network.

If the Windows laptop is not up-to-date in either security patches or anti-virus, it is put into a quarantine area from which you can download the required software. Students who do not have anti-virus software can download a student McAfee license provided FREE by NYLS. Once a laptop is up-to-date, it will be granted access to the network. Each time you log into the network, this authentication check will be done, so please keep your software up-to-date.

This process will not only enable easier ongoing access to the network, but will also keep it more secure and less vulnerable to viruses

Wireless Hotspots

Wireless access is available in the following locations throughout the school: 

• Mendik Library (4th, 7th and 14th Floors of 40 Worth Building)
• Student Cafeteria (1^st Floor of 'C' building)
• Student Common Area (Lower Level of 'C' Building)
• Stiefel Reading Room (1^st Floor of 'A' Building)
• Moot Court & Law Review Offices (8^th Floor of 'A' Building)
• Wellington Conference Center (5^th Floor of 'C' Building)
• All Classrooms

Prerequisites

A laptop with Windows XP sp2 or a MAC with built in wireless card is required to access the wireless network.  A wireless network interface card is also required to access the wireless network.  Most newer laptops have integrated wireless cards, and do not require an additional card.

If your laptop does not have an integrated wireless network card, you will need a IEEE 802.11b compliant WiFi certified card.  Newer 802.11g cards will also work, because they are backward compliant.

Connecting to the Wireless Network

The NYLS wireless network is protected by Cisco Clean Access, a security package that requires laptops meet certain requirements before being allowed access to the network.  Each laptop user must log onto the Wireless Network using their network ID and password.  The first time access is requested, the Clean Access software client will be downloaded to the laptop.  This client remains on the laptop and does not need to be downloaded again.

All laptops are required to have updated Anti-Virus software, and all Windows security updates must be installed.

These requirements only apply to laptops running the Windows Operating System.  Apple and Linux operating systems do not need to meet these measures and can access the network after initial log-in.

Clean Access will scan the laptop to make sure the requirements are met.  If they are not, the laptop will be placed in a quarantine area.  From this area, the laptop owner will be able to download the needed OS patches or a free student license for McAfee Anti-Virus.  If another Anti-Virus program is on the laptop, the owner will be directed to the vendor website from which they can download the latest data files. 

Download instructions on Installing the Clean Access Client.