Network issues

Wired network

IT Services have now upgraded Polytechnique’s institutional wireless network. The new network offers increased redundancy and simplified, highly secure access to all members of the community. The network also has better coverage and can be accessed in 80% of the buildings on campus.
As of fall 2010, there are two wireless networks available on campus:

Poly-Securise has replaced the EPM-802.1x network. The new network guarantees data confidentiality and integrity. As such, it should be your first choice when establishing a wireless connection. In addition to secure access, Poly-Securise offers staff and faculty direct access to the school’s intranet. Poly-Securise supports 802.11b/g connections, does not require a VPN connection, and ensures proper authorization through the Entrust.net Certification Authority (2048).
Poly-Public has replaced the Hermes network. Poly-Public offers only unsecured access with no guarantee of confidentiality or integrity. It provides both Internet access and public intranet services. Since it has no firewall, users must ensure that they have upgraded their operating systems and antivirus software and activated their personal firewalls. When launching your browser, you’ll be directed to the authentication portal.

Polytechnique community members must use a valid e-mail user ID to use the wireless network.

Guest users should stop by the AV help desks to obtain a temporary user ID

Q2. What operating systems are supported by Polytechnique's wireless network ?

In principle, all operating systems, provided you have a valid user ID and configure your wireless network card to support 802.11b/g standards.

To use Poly-Securise, your client must support 802.1x authentication with WPA or WPA2 security

Q3. How do I configure my computer to access Polytechnique's wireless network ?

The following documents will help you configure your computer for Poly-Securise or Poly-Public:

Poly-Securise for WindowsXP or Windows 7

Poly-Securise for Mac Book

Poly-Public for WindowsXP

Q4. How do I change my wireless network password ?

The user ID and password used to access the wireless network are the same as for your e-mail. To change your password, you need to connect to the same site used to change your e-mail password: https://codes.si.polymtl.ca. After making the change, wait at least two minutes before attempting to reconnect to the wireless network.

The next time you connect to the wireless network, log on with your new information. Note that you may need to do this a second time before the connection succeeds

Q5. What security protocols are supported by the Poly-Securise wireless network ?

You have two options when configuring your security protocol. Both are supported by Poly-Securise.
- If your wireless card supports WPA authentication, choose TKIP encryption.
- If your wireless card supports WPA2 authentication, choose AES encryption.

Lastly, if your wireless card supports both WPA and WPA2, we recommend choosing WPA2, which currently offers the best encryption.

Q6. Can I remove a certificate if I use Windows?

Yes. To do so, go to Panneau de configuration and open Options Internet. Under Propriétés Internet, choose Contenu. Under the Certificats category, select Ceritificats. Locate the certificate in the certification authority and click Effacer

Q7. What if I have trouble connecting to Poly-Securise ?

IProblems connecting to Poly-Securise can be due to different reasons, including Wi-Fi card drivers and operating systems that haven’t been updated. Start by updating your wireless card driver from the manufacturer’s website (generally easy to find, whatever the make of your card), and ensure your PC is up to date through the Windows Update site.
If your Wi-Fi card is supported by proprietary software (such as ThinkAvantage, used by Lenovo laptops), follow the configuration procedure outlined the manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep in mind that, given the wide range of devices that can access the wireless network, IT Services is unable to test and document access for each specific device.

However, feel free to contact the help desk with any questions