Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is SBUMC Wi-Fi? How fast is the SBUMC Wi-Fi network? Where is SBUMC Wi-Fi available? Is Wi-Fi only available at certain times? How do I connect to the SBUMC Wi-Fi network? Do I need an account? Is there a fee? Is the SBUMC Wi-Fi network secure? Can I use a notebook computer or PDA? Why is my computer saying the signal is weak? Why can't I access some websites?

 

What is SBUMC Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity which is used to refer to 802.11 wireless technology. This includes 802.11a (54 Mbps @ 5 GHz), 802.11b (11 Mbps @ 2.4 GHz), and 802.11g (54 Mbps @ 2.4 GHz).

SBUMC Wi-Fi is an 802.11b / 802.11g wireless network provided to our patients and guests who have Wi-Fi enabled devices (notebook computers or PDAs). It allows for access to internet resources (i.e. websites, e-mail, VPN, etc.)

How fast is the SBUMC Wi-Fi network?

SBUMC Wi-Fi offers wireless network speeds of up to 54 Mbps. If you have an 802.11g wireless card on your notebook or PDA, then your device can connect to the SBUMC Wi-Fi network at upto 54 Mbps. If you have an 802.11b wireless card, then you can connect up to 11 Mbps.

Where is SBUMC Wi-Fi available?

SBUMC Wi-Fi is available in most locations in the hospital as well as several locations in the Stony Brook Technology Park facility, Ambulatory Surgery Center, and soon in the Ambulatory Care Pavillion. It is also available in some parts of the Basic Sciences and Health Sciences Center. For a detailed list, please see our list of Wi-Fi locations.

Is Wi-Fi only available at certain times?

Wi-Fi access is available 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

In case any or all Wi-Fi locations will be unavailable due to maintenance, SBUMC will make every effort to notify the hospital staff in the affected areas.

The webportal, which is the initial webpage you see when you first open your web browser inside the SBUMC Wi-Fi areas, will also be updated to show any service interruptions.

How do I connect to the SBUMC Wi-Fi network?

See Instructions on How to Get Connected to SBUMC Wi-Fi.

Do I need an account?

No, there is no need for an account to access the SBUMC Wi-Fi network.

Is there a fee?

No, there is no fee for this service. The SBUMC Wi-Fi is provided free of charge as a good will service to our patients and the visiting public.

Is the SBUMC Wi-Fi network secure?

Wireless networks are not inherently secure. It is always a good idea to make sure you are on an SSL-encrypted webpage when using a web browser and/or use secure applications (i.e. VPN, SSH) prior to sending/receiving confidential or sensitive data.

Can I use a notebook computer or PDA?

You can use a Wi-Fi enabled notebook (laptop) computer or PDA on the SBUMC Wi-Fi network. For more information, please view our system requirements.

Why is my computer saying the signal is weak?

Wireless signal is strongest when the Wi-Fi enabled computer is near a wireless access point (WAP) and there is minimal or no obstruction in between. Examples of obstructions are walls, doors, tall cabinets and shelves, stacked boxes, and even people.

SBUMC has deployed numerous WAPs throughout the indoor wireless locations and have performed extensive surveys and studies to ensure ample coverage. When your computer displays that the wireless signal is weak or poor, this either means that you are not near a WAP or there are obstructions that degrade your wireless signal.

Another cause of a weak signal may be due to interference. In the SBUMC Wi-Fi network, wireless network users (patients & guests) are susceptible to interference caused by, say, Bluetooth devices, 2.4GHz cordless phones, and even old/leaky microwave ovens. All of these interfere with 802.11b/g wireless in general, thus degrading the wireless signal on your computer.

Why can't I access some websites?

In order to connect to and use the SBUMC Wi-Fi network, users (patients & guests) must agree to and abide by the SBUMC Wireless Internet Access Acceptable Use Agreement. This agreement contains terms and conditions that prohibit abusive or illegal activity while using the SBUMC Wi-Fi network and its resources.

To protect the interest of SBUMC and its patients, web content is filtered to prevent access to websites that are categorized as being offensive (example: pornography).

If you believe that a website has been miscategorized, please fill in our feedback form and specify the full web address in question.

Notes:

1. SBUMC reserves the right to monitor Wi-Fi activity, filter content, and otherwise control or prohibit usage. Please read the terms and conditions for details on the acceptance of wireless internet access acceptable use agreement.


2. Please secure all valuables, including notebooks and PDAs, at all times. SBUMC cannot be responsible for loss or damage to these items.

Last Updated: December 22, 2008