Guest Wireless LAN at Virginia Tech
Create a guest account online and request service at https://cola.cns.vt.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guest Wireless
Q. How do I sign up?
A. Create a guest account online at COLA (Customer OnLine Access). Once an account has been created, you may login to COLA and request wireless service from a sponsoring department.
Q. Can I sign up after I get to campus?
Yes. This website (www.cns.vt.edu) and the registration website (cola.cns.vt.edu) are available to users who are not registered for Wireless LAN on campus. No other websites, including the Virginia Tech website, will be available. It will, however, probably be more convenient for you to register in advance.
Q. How long does it take for my service to become active after I request service?
A. The departmental sponsor reviews and approves each request. If approved, the service will become active within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time approved by the departmental sponsor. To view the status of your service request(s), login to COLA.
Q. What is a "sponsor" and how do I get one?
A. A "sponsor" is a University department which hosts your access. When you plan your visit to Virginia Tech, simply ask your contact in the department you are visiting to arrange access.
You will be asked to select the name of the department sponsoring you when you request service. If the department is not expecting you, it is unlikely that your request for Wireless LAN access will be granted.
Q. Can I get access without a sponsor?
A. No. A sponsor is required.
Q. Where on campus is wireless available?
A. Wireless LAN is available in approximately 90% of academic and administrative spaces across campus as well as at the Northern Virginia Graduate Center in Falls Church.
Q. How do I get online on campus?
A. Enable your wireless card and select VT_WLAN as your network. Upon launching a web browser such as Konqueror, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari, you will be redirected to a Wireless LAN login page. Guests login with the email address and password used when creating a guest account.
Q. Where is Wireless internet available elsewhere in Blacksburg?
A. Wireless is available at local public libraries as well as many coffee shops.
