Wireless networks

Wireless internet allows a wide range of devices to connect to the internet and the University network without having to plug in network cables. There are three wireless networks at Coventry University:

Phoenix-Net - this is basic wireless connectivity designed to connect to a wide range of devices and is not encrypted, to maximise the bandwidth. If you wish to send or receive sensitive or confidential information (eg financial transactions), use Phoenix-Net Secure or ensure that the website is secure (ie the URL starts with ‘https://’ and the browser displays a locked padlock).
Phoenix-Net Secure - This is the secure, encrypted network that allows access to University applications and services as though connected to a wired PC. Some devices may have issues connecting to encrypted wireless networks – if this is the case, consult the user guide below, your device’s operating instructions, or contact IT Services for support.
Phoenix-Net Guest - Visitors to the University can use the guest network to connect to the University network and all of the services available from off campus (eg Webmail, staff and student portals).

Which network to use

There are a few differences between the two networks; depending on what you’re doing, one might be more appropriate to use than the other.

Phoenix-Net

Wireless access using Phoenix-Net is appropriate for:

Browsing the internet
Checking your email via webmail
Visiting StaffNet/Student Portal
Connecting to standard University applications such as Universe

Wireless access using Phoenix-Net is not recommended for:

Downloading large documents or files
Replacing your wired access
Remote-controlling other PCs
Video communication
Transmitting sensitive or confidential information via unencrypted sites

Phoenix-Net Secure

Wireless access using Phoenix-Net Secure is appropriate for:

Replacing your wired access
Downloading large documents or files
Replacing your wired access
Video communication

How to connect

Please do not try and connect to any other network IDs than the ones mentioned on this page (ie 'Coventry-University-Wireless’). This is a previous network ID no longer in use by the University. Its availability could be due to an unauthorised and malicious attempt by someone trying to steal personal information such as usernames and passwords, and it is important that it is not selected if offered as an option.
Both Phoenix-Net and Phoenix-Net Secure are accessible to anyone with a University username and password.
To connect to Phoenix-Net, your wireless connection must conform to one of two standards – 802.11b or 802.11g – the manual you receive with your device should detail the standard that it works on.
The Phoenix-Net Secure service requires an 802.1x supplicant which is present with Windows XP, Vista, MAC OS X and some other operating systems. Please refer to the user guide below if more information is required.
Access is provided under the standard terms of the code of conduct, which governs usage of all the University’s computing facilities.

User guides

Phoenix-Net user guide
Phoenix-Net Secure Windows XP student user guide
Phoenix-Net Secure Windows Vista student user guide
Phoenix-Net Guest user guide for Windows XP
Phoenix-Net Guest guide for requesting bulk guest access

Coverage

There are over 550 wireless access points throughout the University, and IT Services is working to ensure that access is available throughout as much of the campus as possible. Wireless accessibility should be available across all floors of all campus buildings although this cannot be guaranteed in every possible position because of differences in building construction and other physical factors.

Wireless is provided across shared bandwidth, which means that the more users accessing a hotspot, the slower the access will be. Consequently, if you are having connection problems, you should first try moving to another location.

In order to check the current performance of the network, visit the Wireless Coverage System page.

Wireless Coverage System user guide

Health and safety

Following current advice from the Health Protection Agency, Coventry University does not consider its staff or students to be likely to be at risk from the wireless networks.