FAQs: Wireless Networking

End Users

How do I get connected to the wireless network?
What is the campus wireless network name?
Can I connect wired too?
What is a uNID?
I am a guest to the University, can I use the wireless too?
What operating systems are supported by the wireless network?
Can I print with my laptop?
Can I access the network using a Wi-Fi enabled PDA?
Can I use Napster, Gnutella, KaZaA, or any other peer-to-peer filesharing software?
Is my wireless secure?
How do I get help if I have a problem?
Are there any restrictions when using wireless?
What protocols does the wireless network support?
What are the risks of using wireless?
I don't like something, to whom can I complain?
What spectrums does UConnect support?
How do I change my uNID password in my wireless configuration on my device?

Network Admins

What is the campus standard for deploying a wireless network?
What central wireless services are offered to campus departments?
What kind of networking equipment will I have to upgrade?
Do you provide wireless engineering services?
Are there known wireless card issues?

End Users

How do I get connected to the campus wireless network?

If you look in your laptop or mobile device’s list of available wireless networks (while on campus), you should see “UConnect.” To complete the one-time configuration to use the new network, simply use our UConnect Setup Wizard. It’s quick and easy; just enter your uNID and password once, and you’ll be ready to use the UConnect network immediately. To get your mobile device configured for the new UConnect network wirelessly, click on the UGuest option in your available wireless networks, open a browser and click on the "Setup Wizard" button.

You may also configure your device for UConnect manually; manual configuration instructions are at http://wireless.utah.edu/index.html#manual.

Health Sciences users, please do not run the auto-wizard - if you need to use UConnect, contact your HSC Help Desk 801-587-6000 or follow the manual instructions for Odyssey clients.

What is the campus wireless network name?

The secure and recommended network is UConnect. This network uses the 802.11x/WPA2 Enterprise protocol for security and authentication, and is recommend for all campus members with a uNID or gNID. It has unlimited bandwidth and allows users to access IP-restricted campus resources. For users whose devices are 802.11n enabled, it is an extremely fast network.

The second campus network, which is an open, unsecure network intended for visitor use, is UGuest. It is bandwidth-limited and doesn't allow direct access to campus network resources.

Can I connect wired, too?

Wired connections are possible in some locations, but the method of authentication will vary depending on the department.

The following departments do provide wired access:

Business
Marriott Library
Residence Halls

What is a uNID?

A University Network ID is a piece of information that uniquely identifies you on the University of Utah network for various computing services. A Network ID is also known as a uNID, username, login name or User ID. All students, faculty, and staff at the University of Utah receive a University Netword ID. For more information on uNIDs, please visit the uNID FAQ page.

I'm a guest to the University - can I use the wireless network?

Yes, guest access is available via the UGuest wireless network, or with a Guest Network ID or gNID. Please see the Guest Account webpage for details.

What operating systems are supported for the wireless network?

The following operating systems are officially supported:

Mac OS X 10.2.x, 10.3.x, 10.4.x, 10.5.x
Windows XP/Vista/7
PocketPC 2002/2003
Windows Mobile 5 and 6

Linux is not officially supported, due to funding constraints, but Linux users might be happy to know that the Linux 802.1X client (http://www.open1x.org) is being developed, in part, by members of the wireless committee, so we definitely have your interests in mind. If you have questions you should probably post to the Open1x mailing lists, and we'll be sure to help you out! (BSD isn't currently supported, but the Open1x group would like some BSD programmers to help out with *BSD ports.)

Can I print with my laptop?

Printing is not currently supported, but options to make it possible for users to print are being considered.

Can I access the network with a wi-fi enabled PDA?

Yes, many PDAs are currently supported. See the manual configuration instructions.

Can I use Gnutella, Kazaa, or other peer-to-peer software?

Use of any and all software is governed by the Campus Information Resources Policy (PPM 1-15). This can be found at http://www.admin.utah.edu/ppmanual/1/1-15.html. Please also read the August 2009 Peer-to-peer memo to campus from the CIO. More information about violations of copyright via peer-to-peer software is on the www.SecureIT.utah.edu website.

Is my wireless secure?

The UConnect network, , is as secure as possible. It uses 802.11xWPA2 Enterprise. These are authentication and encryption IEEE networking standards that enhance overall user experience and provide increased security. The wireless environment at the University of Utah campus was designed with the security of our users in mind, and we will continue to do what we can to provide the most secure possible experience for our users.

IUsing UConnect when possible is recommended.

How do I get help if I have a problem?

You can submit a trouble ticket through the Campus Help Desk at (801) 581-4000 option 1. Additionally, the Marriott Library Multimedia Center provides walk-in wireless setup and support.

Are there restrictions to using the wireless network?

Use of the campus wireless services is governed by the Campus Information Resources Policy (PPM 1-15). Additionally, individual departments may have specific requirements to help limit interference and bandwidth consumption on their networks.

What protocols does the wireless network support?

Nearly every wireless location on campus will support, at a minimum, 802.11a/b/g/n networking.

In addition, the UConnect network uses 802.1x/WPA2 Enterprise.

What are the risks of using wireless?

Wireless connections are inherently less secure than wired connections. If you are not using a secure network or a VPN, your traffic may be easily intercepted by hackers.

If I don't like something, to whom can I complain?

In general, complaints can be directed at the Campus Help Desk at (801) 581-4000, option 1.

What spectrums does UConnect support?

The University of Utah deploys wireless connectivity via the 802.11a, g and n spectrums. 802.11 g is backwards-compatible with 802.11 b.

Network Admins

What is the campus standard for deploying a wireless network?

The University of Utah has decided on 802.1x/WPA2 Enterprise as a campus-wide wireless access standard. 802.1x/WPA2 Enterprise is an authentication and encryption method for wired and wireless networks, and an IEEE networking standard that enhances overall user experience and provides increased security. This network is called UConnect.

As of August 2007, "Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol" (PEAP) authentication is available for many devices to connect via their built-in wireless clients (no software required).

What central wireless services are offered to campus departments?

The Office of Information Technology is providing the infrastructure to create a seamless wireless environment using 802.1x/WPA2 standards for all campus wireless users. Departments who choose to be a part of the campus wireless initiative do not have to purchase backbone equipment, but do need to deploy a system compatible with the approved infrastructure.

Department wireless networks which meet campus standards can access the campus UConnect network. Support includes access to the Campus Help Desk during regular weekly business hours for roubleshooting of connection issues for end-users and LAN Admins.

What kind of networking equipment will I have to upgrade?

Hubs and old switches may need to be upgraded. Contact the Campus Help Desk to be connected to a Network Engineer for an evaluation.

Do you provide wireless engineering services?

Yes. We can provide consulting services for wireless or other networking needs. Please contact your Account Executive for more information:

Jan Lovett for lower campus departments: 801-585-5307 or jan.lovett@utah.edu,
Josh Wall for all other departments: 801-581-5444 or jwall@netcom.utah.edu.

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