ITSS home : Network : Wireless computing

Authenticated wireless networking (for 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g) is available throughout most of the UMD main campus, excluding the residence halls. Wireless access is available to students, faculty and staff by opening a web browser and authenticating with your University Internet ID and password.

Following is information on how to access and use the wireless network at UMD.

How do I set up my device for wireless?

Basically, you set up a device for wireless network access the same way you set it up for wired network access. You will need a wireless Ethernet adapter and may need to make a few configuration settings on your device.

For detailed instructions, see:

• Configuring a computer for wireless access

Who can access the wireless network?

Access to UMD's wireless network is available to all University staff, faculty and students by authenticating with their University Internet ID and password.

Short-term guest access to the wireless network is also available. Charges apply for some types of wireless access. Additional information on guest network access is avaiable at:

• Guest Network Access.

How do I access the wireless network?

You must authenticate to the wireless network with your University Internet ID (user name or guest account) and password as follows:

1. On your wireless device, open any web browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer)

   The following authentication window should be displayed:

   

2. Type in your University Internet ID and password, and press the LOGIN button.
   • Windows 98, 2000, ME and XP computers: You will be prompted to run the QuickStart security tool (as shown below) if you have not done so recently. Run Quickstart and follow any online instructions regarding problems. When you have successfully run QuickStart, re-open any web browser.
     
     
   • All other computers: You are not required to run QuickStart but should secure your computer following these guidelines: Desktop Computer Security Check.
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3. Once you have successfully authenticated, you will be granted access to the network as shown below:
   
   

When you are finished using your wireless connection, please return to https://port.d.umn.edu, and select the LOGOUT button to close your connection (you will be automatically logged out after 90 minutes of inactivity).

Where can I access the wireless network?

Most of the main UMD campus supports wireless access, including most classrooms, lecture halls, and study areas (library, coffee house, Kirby Plaza). An exception is the residence halls, where wireless access is limited to the Griggs Conference Rooms and main lobby of Lake Superior Hall.

What is the cost for wireless access?

There is no cost for students, faculty or staff to access the wireless network in the public access areas listed above.

If you would like ITSS to add wireless access for your specific area, there is a monthly access fee. See: Network Rates for details.

How do I request wireless service in my area?

You may request a wireless access point (hub) by completing the online request form at: Add Wireless Service. There are labor and monthly service fees associated with installing an access point.

Can I put my own wireless access point on the network?

No. Wireless hubs must be carefully deployed so that they do not interfere with one another. Moreover, other devices using the same radio frequencies as wireless hubs may interfere with the wireless network.

Additionally, University standards require that wireless networking hubs have security and authentication built into them to ensure that unauthorized persons will not be able to gain access to the University network. The Apple Airport Hubs, and many other wireless network hubs, do not meet these standards.

Because of these and other issues, clients may not install wireless access points (or other network equipment) on the University network. This includes offices and the residence halls. For details, see: Policy on access to the UMD network.

Does wireless access replace wired access?

In most cases, wireless technology should be used as an extension to the wired network in areas where wiring is not practical, and not as a replacement for wired connections. A wired connection will, in general, perform better than a wireless connection and will be necessary to support a high-performance network.

Wireless hubs must be carefully deployed so that they do not interfere with one another. Moreover, other devices using the same radio frequencies as wireless hubs may interfere with the wireless network.

What are the security issues with wireless?

There are two major security concerns about using wireless, and we have a solution for each of them.

The first is that the network should be protected to prevent unauthorized people from accessing it. We have done this by requiring any user to authenticate before they can have access. See: How do I access the wireless network?

The second concern is that transmissions should be encrypted to prevent snoopers from picking it up as they traverse the air waves. Our biggest concern is that a snooper might pick up a password and use it to access the network, which is what we are trying to prevent with authentication in the first place. The solution to this problem is to have each user install and use a piece of software called virtual private network (VPN).

You should use VPN on the wireless network for:

• File access via Novell or Samba.
• Access to any Enterprise systems (PeopleSoft, CUFs, eGradebook, etc.)

For details and to download the VPN client, see: VPN: Virtual Private Network