Connection Guide

The Rome Wireless Network (Rome) is an 802.11b standard wireless access network for mobile computing devices such as Laptops and PDAs.

To connect to the Rome network, your mobile computing device must meet the following basic requirements:

• The device must be 802.11b compliant
• The device should be WiFi certified for best results
• The device must be able to use VPN software. Click here for more info
• The device must support DHCP for automatic IP configuration

The Rome network is configured with the following settings:

To connect, configure your wireless software to autoconnect if available. The Rome network uses a Broadcast SSID. The ESSID is broadcast over the air and you can select it from a list if your software allows. Otherwise, configure your ESSID or SSID as "rome" and you should automatically be connected to the network and receive an IP address. To confirm connectivity, please open your Web browser and visit any web site. You should see the Rome Wirelees Network Splash Web Page. This page comes up whenever the VPN software is not active on your device. This confirms connectivity to The Rome network.

The Rome network is designed as a flat layer three network. This means that no matter where you connect, your IP address will be from the same IP network. DHCP will maintain the same IP address as long as you are not disconnected from the network for more than 5 minutes.

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Coverage Map - CPC / Health Sciences Campus

This is a clickable coverage map of the Rome Wireless Network at CPMC

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Coverage Map - WCMC / Weill Cornell Campus

This is a clickable coverage map of the Rome Wireless Network at WCMC

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Channel Spacing and Layout

For those who are interested, the Rome network is configured using 3 consistent channels to maximize connectivity and seamless roaming capabilities. The channels will overlap from coverage are to coverage area based on the following plan:

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VPN and Security on the Rome Network

The Rome network will allow you to connect to the network and get an IP address automatically, you will have no access to resources until your connection is secured. This is acomplished by making an IPSec (VPN) connection to the Institution's VPN concentrator using VPN software on your mobile device. For more information on installing and using VPN software, please visit the VPN page. If you connect to the Rome network successfully and do not activate a VPN connection, you will be automatically redirected to an information page with links to the VPN software, configuration, and help guides.

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FAQ

Q. I do not get an IP address automatically, what is wrong?

A. You device is probably configured with a static or hard coded IP address. Make sure you turn on DHCP or Automatic IP Address Negotiation for your device. Another possibility is that you are not connected to the Rome network. You must be connected to the Rome network (ESSID / SSID "rome") for proper functionality.

Q. I am connected to the network properly. However, whenever I go to CNN (or any other web site like Yahoo, MSN, AOL, Google, etc.) I keep getting the VPN Splash Web Page.

A. You have not activated the VPN connection on your device. Rememebr that the Rome network requires a VPN connection for connectivity outside the network. This is for security reasons and it is a policy of the institution.

For more help or if your question is not answered above, please contact the Rome support team via email at rome-support@core.nyp.org.

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