gstasin

Quick question for anyone who can help:

I wanted to purchase an Airport Extreme from Apple, which is basically an internet router that also lets your print wirelessly, access your harddrive, etc. without being plugged in. I called Harvard, and although they offer it on their tech website, I was told that they aren't allowed.

I don't want to hack the internet or anything like that, just access my printer and external hard drive wirelessly. Does anyone know if a) this is an informal rule (like, say, the "no microwave" rule) and people can bring them so long as they don't tamper with anything or display it? And, b) will an Airport extreme even work on campus? Again, this might seem like a strange question to ask, but I have friends in two other colleges that also have the same restriction, but have used an Airport with no harm and with no penalty. So if you know, or perhaps know of another solution that isn't an Airport, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!!

Shiraz9

I *think* it should work just fine. We were going to get one in our room last year but my room mate left it behind on accident. Wasn't even aware that they weren't allowed, to be honest.

rbug

Hey there. I'm going to be a sophomore at Harvard. I have a MacBook that uses the Airport wireless connection, and have not had a problem at all with it. If it's the same kind of thing, you should be fine. I haven't heard anything about these not being allowed, either.

In fact, they've even started doing something in the libraries (mainly Lamont) where you can print wirelessly from your laptop to one of the library printers. You still have to set up a printing account somehow, though. I guess they just wouldn't want you wirelessly printing to one of these library printers without paying. Maybe that's why they told you no.

I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.

ec1234

if you know a decent amount about setting up networks, you will be fine-- the problem comes if the airport interferes in any way with the campus network, then in all likelihood your ethernet jack will get turned off.