Welcome to BeachNet
Background
The CSU Long Beach high speed data network, which we call "BeachNet", is how computers all over campus communicate with each other and the Internet to support the academic and administrative needs of the University. Network Services manages this network consisting of over 260 Cisco switches and routers and over 23,000 data outlets. In some areas, BeachNet requires authentication before using any off campus web pages or other applications. When an off campus web page is connected to, users will be redirected this web page:
Other Internet use, including e-mail clients such as Outlook or Lotus Notes will not work until the user logs in via the web. E-mail clients and other kinds of applications cannot be redirected to login like this because of their technology limitations. The web is the best method for these kinds of logins.
Registered users can login by following the instructions on the web page above. If the user has not registered for an account yet, links are provided to the appropriate pages for registration. After a successful login, the web browser will be redirected back to the one originally requested.
Because the login-required side of BeachNet is a shared resource, users are cautioned that attempts to download very large files may be terminated at any time. Users may contact their department Technical Coordinators or Faculty Advisors to obtain advice on better methods of downloading large files for Academic or Administrative purposes. Recreational downloading of large files is not supported.
Getting Connected
Wireless
Using the wireless card's software, or the operating system's own tools, connect to the beachnet Wireless Network. We can't possibly hope to describe every way in which this can be done, as there are many different software products that do this. We have to make the assumption that the wireless user already knows how to get this far. The campus beachnet Wireless Network is unsecured, meaning anyone can connect to it. But only those with valid accounts can utilize it.
If an off campus web page is opened, the web browser will be redirected as shown above.
Wired classrooms or Laptop stations
Data outlets in wired classrooms and at computer lab laptop stations are automatically on BeachNet. Connect the laptop then open a Web Browser to any web page off campus. The web browser will then be directed to the same login page used by wireless users.Wireless Security
Unless precautions are taken, such as using SSL-enabled websites (Webmail and MyCSULB are SSL-enabled) when using the Internet, beachnet is NOT an encrypted wireless network. All traffic is sent through the air on radio waves which can be overhead and captured by nearby users. There are no easy ways of detecting other "listeners", so caution and careful use of the Internet is strongly advised.
The University provides an easy-to-use solution for encrypting wireless traffic. After logging in to BeachNet, visit https://vpn.csulb.edu to use the VPN service.