Wireless Infrastructure Support
Departments can order wireless coverage for their buildings. UIT Network Operations will provide the centrally supported "UConnect" SSID (Service Set Identifier) as well as a "UGuest" service (which is not secure) for guest access if requested.
Centralized Wireless Services 
University Information Technology provides 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 has been constructed using “thin” access points. Both encrypted and unencrypted access are provided.
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.
802.11n Next Generation Wireless
The University IT department has deployed 802.11a/b/g/n wireless access points across campus. The new access points are backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g wireless devices and offer the following additional benefits: MIMO (Multiple Input and Multiple-Output) radio technology for greater range, link reliability, and increased throughput. Double wide (40Mhz) channels in the 5Ghz band which offer up to five times more throughput to support data, and video applications. And improved MAC efficiency for lower latency, highly reliable voice applications.
Deploying Wireless Networks
To deploy wireless, departments need to place an order. Standard wireless networks are UConnect and UGuest. LAN admins and end-users may contact the Campus Help Desk during regular weekly business hours for client installation support and connection issues troubleshooting.
Areas with wireless access to UConnect and UGuest should post the Wireless Zone sign where possible. These signs are available through University Information Technology. Call 581-3423 to request them.
Cabling and infrastructure
Any construction required to provision Wireless service inside or outside a building is the responsibility of the building owner. This includes wall and ceiling penetrations, conduit, trenching, etc.
UConnect Network
UConnect is an authenticated, encrypted network that uses WPA2-Enterprise/ AES as a campus-wide wireless access standard. uNID and password are required to use this network. Users must follow all campus Acceptable Use Policies. Guests may use guest Network IDs (gNIDs) to access UConnect. Users have access to University resources via UConnect. Client configuration for UConnect is documented here for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and several mobile wireless devices.
UGuest network
UGuest provides basic internet access to visitors in all UIT-managed wireless areas. Users need to sign in each time they connect. UGuest is not recommended for campus members with uNIDs or guests with gNIDs; it is not encrypted, has limited bandwidth and has fewer features than UConnect. Resources that must be accessed from University IP space, i.e., library data bases, are NOT accessible when connected via the UGuest network.
For More
Minimum Security Standards for Wireless Networks
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 801-581-4000 or email helpdesk@utah.edu.
