Campus Wireless Network Services
Centralized Wireless Services
Centralized wireless services are part of a ubiquitous wireless campus plan. As approved by the Information Technology Council in their October 2005 meeting, the Office of Information Technology will be providing the infrastructure to create a seamless wireless environment for all campus wireless users. To help ensure ubiquitous campus wireless coverage and to decrease the cost of wireless services for colleges and departments, a centrally managed switching infrastructure will be constructed which will allow colleges and departments to implement wireless services using “thin” access points. Both encrypted and unencrypted access will be provided.
Departments who choose to be a part of the campus wireless plan do not have to purchase backbone equipment, but do need to deploy a system compatible with the approved infrastructure. Student computing and other central funds will aid in construction of the switching infrastructure. Colleges and departments may also apply for student computing funds to purchase access points for their own areas.
The three primary benefits of this plan are (1) lower cost of the purchase and operation of wireless networks, (2) an infrastructure that will support campus-wide wireless connectivity using campus standards, and (3) compliance with the ITC resolution for ubiquitous network access.
Deploying Wireless Networks
To deploy wireless, departments need to either a) purchase wireless equipment, including wireless access points, power-over-Ethernet devices, and any wire pulling required, for a department-managed wireless network; b) request funding from the Student Computing Action Committee during the annual request process; or c) send an email to the Office of IT explaining their need/desire for an OIT-managed wireless network. Departments may also be required to eventually upgrade existing networking equipment to be compatible with campus wireless standards. Department wireless networks can access the campus uconnect.utah.edu and hotspot.utah.edu networks, and LAN admins and end-users may contact the Campus Help Desk during regular weekly business hours for client installation support and connection issues troubleshooting.
OIT can provide a site survey at no cost and estimate costs for wireless access points (WAPs) that meet the campus wireless standards. To schedule a site survey through the OIT Network Operations group, email the Campus Help Desk at helpdesk@utah.edu or call 581-4000 option 1.
"Open" networks allowing campus access to the hotspot and uconnect networks should post the Wireless Zone sign where possible. These signs are available though the Office of Information Technology. Call 581-3423 to request them.
802.1X Wireless Access - uconnect.utah.edu network
802.1x is an IEEE standard-based authentication and encryption scheme for wired and wireless networks. 802.1x wireless access uses the campus "uconnect.utah.edu" network. It requires the installation of client software. Clients are available for Mac OS 10.3+, Windows, and Linux. Once the client software is installed and configured, the laptop machine seeks an 802.1X compliant network and automatically authenticates the user on to the network. The authentication and the session are both encrypted on the uconnect.utah.edu network.
For more information regarding plans for 802.1x based-authentication please see the Campus Wireless Standards document (PDF) and the Wireless Networking Frequently Asked Questions. This is an OIT-centrally supported service.
Hotspot.utah.edu network
The hotspot network is currently in the testing phase. When it is in production mode (likely September 2006), users simply open a web browser in campus areas where hotspot Access Points are active. The user must submit either a valid email address or their username and password. Once these are submitted, the machine is scanned for vulnerabilities and viruses in the background. If the machine is clean, it is then connected to the network. Resources that must be accessed from University IP space, i.e., library data bases, are NOT accessible when connected via the hotspot network. Bandwidth is limited and all incoming ports are restricted.
Hotspot network access will be available to all campus departments who want it. For more information on getting hotspot in your area, contact the Campus Help Desk at 581-4000 option 1. Basic connection issues will be centrally supported through the Campus Help Desk.
Participate in the Campus Wireless Effort
Join in the Wireless Committee meetings and discussions. Visit the Wireless Committee webpage to see meeting dates, past meeting minutes, etc. Bring questions and ideas . . . or just observe and listen. This is where the core wireless subgroup is working to architect a campus-wide wireless solution. You can also subscribe to the wireless email list.
For More
Minimum Security Standards for Wireless Networks
Wireless Hardware Recommendations
Wireless Network Tips and Tools
ITAC - Wireless Recommendations
For more information on installing APs for new wireless service, upgrading existing infrastructure or installing an SSID in a new campus location, call the Campus Help Desk at 1-4000 or email helpdesk@utah.edu.
