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How to Access Extension Wireless Network

The Extension Wireless Network is broken into two parts: the public network (vce-pub) and the private network (vce-wlan).  The public network (vce-pub) is secured with a password that changes periodically, and none of the network traffic is encrypted.  This network is suitable for the general public to use on their private computers. 

The private network (vce-wlan) is secured with you Hokies ID and password and all network traffic from your computer to Virginia Tech is encrypted.   This network is only to be used by Virginia Tech Faculty, Staff, and Students with valid Hokies accounts.

  • To access the public network (vce-pub), simply click on the vce-pub network from the detected wireless network list and enter the current password.  Contact the Ag Help Desk (540-231-4865) to obtain the current password.
  • To access the private network (vce-wlan), you first need to meet the prerequisites, and then follow the instructions for your operating system.

Prerequisites:

  1. You must have a Hokies account.
    1. For Employees, use the self service tool: https://hokiespw.ais.vt.edu/selfservice/
      (note: if you do not know your hokies password, contact 4Help (540-231-4357) and request a Hokies password change)
    2. For Students, click here.
  2. You must have the Virginia Tech Certificate Authority Root (VTCA Root) installed.
    1. Go to http://www.pki.vt.edu
    2. On the right hand blue bar, click on Install VTCA Root
    3. Follow the installation instructions for your operating system
  3. Your Hokies account must be a member of the AG OU (AG Organizational Unit).  Unless you created a Hokies recently, then you are probably already a member of the AG OU.  To verify or to be added, contact the Ag Help Desk, aghelp@vt.edu or 540-231-4865.

Detailed connection instructions:
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Mac OS 10.5/10.6

Printable Instructions: 

EWA Printable PDF (PDF | 1MB)


 

 Obtaining a Hokies Account for Students

Students have to be sponsored to be able to get the account.  Also, it is expected that once a student leaves (or no longer has use for the HOKIES account) the requesting department is responsible for having the account deleted.

The Dean, Director, or Department Head must fill out this form:  http://4help.vt.edu

The following text should be copied into the problem form:
Please forward to IRM.  We need to get a HOKIES account for the Graduate Student <Student Name> (<student_PID>).  An Exchange account is not needed.

 

IRM will then verify the request with the Dean, Director, or Department Head via email.  Once the account is approved, IRM will send the Dean, Director, or Department Head the information about the HOKIES account including the account’s temporary password.

Once the student no longer needs the account, the department must submit a request to remove the account from the VT Active Directory.  Use the same form as above to complete that process.

The Dean, Director, or Department Head can designate another person in the department to request and approve accounts if they prefer.  To do so, they will need to fill out the IRM Signature Authorization Letter found here:  http://www.security.vt.edu/IRM/forms/signatureletter.pdf

It is the responsibility of the requesting students department to sponsor, request and terminate HOKIES ID’s for wireless access.  AHNR IT, CALS Administration, VCE/AREC/4H Center Administration will not process requests for sponsorship of student/non-employee HOKIES accounts.