NoCat Wireless Authentication FAQ
General CCC Wireless Portal Information
Q: How do I register for the Wireless network?
Access to the Wireless network is only granted once you have successfully registered using the NoCat login page. To access the login page you need to have a wireless network card in your computer and it needs to be configured to automatically obtain IP address information. Once you have done this, connect to the Wireless Network, open your favorite web browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape etc.) and try to access a website. You will be redirected to the NoCat login page. Your browser may pop-up a window explaining that the connection is now secure. Hit OK.
Q: What is NoCat?
NoCat is a web capture system. It is similar to wireless access systems used in some coffee shops and airports. In commercial environments, web capture is used to authorize and pay for network use. At Craven Community College, it's used for authentication purposes.
Q: Why is NoCat authentication necessary?
To protect the Wireless network and ensure general availability. For reliability, capacity and security, access is limited to Craven Community College staff, students and visitors. It is also used for logging network traffic. The network is maintained by the Information Technology Services department.
Q: How does NoCat web-capturing work?
When you try to access a web-page, the Wireless-net firewall redirects your request to the NoCat gateway which then forwards it to the secure login page. The secure webserver checks your username and password and sends an encrypted message back to the NoCat gateway. The gateway decrypts the message and either accepts or rejects the registration. If the registration is accepted, the Wireless-net firewall is adjusted to allow your network traffic to pass through.
Q: Is my connection to the Wireless network secure?
Unless you are browsing secure websites which are prefixed by "https" your data connections are not secure. Wireless network traffic is sent over the air in plain text format so keep this in mind when using the network. The Wireless network is provided for use at your own risk and should not be used to access sensitive or private content.
Q: Are there any policies regarding using the Wireless network?
Yes, all network access including access to the Wireless network is covered by Craven Community College's Acceptable Use Policy which can be found at the Policies and Procedures webpage. Section 3.1.1 covers Craven employees and section 4.1.2 covers students and guests.
Problems with NoCat registration
Q: The login page returns with message: Login failed. Please try again.
Your username and password were rejected. The most likely cause of this is a typing mistake when entering your password. Please try again. If you keep getting this page after several attempts, you will need to register a new account. There is no password recovery so make sure to remember your password!
Q: The login page returns with message: Please fill in all fields!
You may have forgotten to enter your password or accidentally hit the return key (submitted the web form) before filling in both username and password.
Q: An Error message is displayed
Please read the message. If it makes no sense, try forcing a web re-capture by going to www.google.com
Q: The welcome message is displayed and then I'm redirected back to the login page again!
This means that although you were successfully authenticated, your registration was rejected for another reason. This can be caused by any of the following:
- You have been banned from the Wireless network
- The network card you are trying to use has been banned from the Wireless network
- You are not using DHCP, your IP address could not be verified
- You were using DHCP but your IP address was changed before trying to register
Please ensure that you are using the correct settings before seeking further assistance.
Q: I successfully logged in some time ago but now I've been sent back to the login page again!
Registration is not permanent. You need to regularly re-register to enjoy continued network access. There is a java popup window that appears when you login that will keep your connection refreshed. In order to allow this window to pop-up you need to permit popups from https://10.61.32.1. To do this in Internet Explorer click on Tools, Pop-up Blocker click on Pop-up Blocker Settings, type in 10.61.32.1 in the box asking for the address of website to allow and click Add then click close.
Q: If I follow the links on this page, subsequent links take me back to the login page!
You are trying to access pages that are unavailable until you have successfully registered. You may browse anywhere within the Craven CC website, but to browse external links you will be prompted to login.
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