[LUGSB] Difficulty getting on to AirNet

[JT]

I am a new SB student finally, and my Debian system does not
automatically work with AirNet.  While I was aware of the complexities
involving PPTP for full network access, I don't even get the limited
network access.  I can connect to the "AirNet" ESSID, and recieve an
ip address 10.254.* I think.., but I cannot ping or visit any web page
after this, and I not get forwarded.  Is the only way to get any
AirNet access through setting up PPTP?

Thank you.